Residents of Carrick are waiting impatiently for Meander Valley Council to conduct a survey of residents’ opinions about development in the area.

They promised the survey when residents Sally and Chester McKaige spoke to a councillors’ workshop about their concerns about subdivision and blocks crowded with units.

‘We’re objecting to multi-
dwellings on small blocks and regular sized houses on small blocks,’ Sally McKaige said.

‘We’re not opposed to development but to me this is a rural location, almost a village, and the more development that goes on makes it like a suburb of Launceston.’

The couple, who have lived in Carrick for eight years, say the proliferation of units without enough parking is causing residents to park on nature strips and on the road, especially at the bottom of Church St.

A Liffey Street resident who asked not to be named said soon after she moved to Carrick, she was stunned to find five units being built by Badcock Constructions on the block next door when she thought she had come to the countryside for peace and quiet.

‘I live on half a hectare. I don’t want people living on top of me. That’s not why I bought a place here. I wake up here and hear the birds and think, “Yep, I’m still in the country”.

‘I’d hate to be in the front unit next door with the cars of four other units driving past my front door. If my peace and tranquillity goes, I’ll go elsewhere.’

Resident Cath Blackwell is critical of Meander Valley Council for allowing what she believes is inappropriate development.

‘I think it’s been done too hastily and without much consideration,’ she said.

‘A lot of things seem to be rushed through without consideration of heritage and services such as water and sewerage.

‘There are issues here with water pressure, and with the big subdivision going in at Hadspen, will our sewerage system cope?

‘The council is not taking into consideration the historic feel to the village. 

‘We have a walking tour pamphlet of heritage buildings here in Carrick. It feels like the heritage buildings will be sandwiched between blocks of units and excess cars parked around the place.’

Many residents are proud of Carrick’s historic buildings.

Ms Blackwell lives next door to a white workers’ cottage built by Thomas Reibey who was born at Entally House and was Tasmania’s Premier in the 1870s. 

The old schoolhouse is nearby and up the road is award winning accommodation at gothic Hawthorn Villa, built in 1875 by the prominent flour miller, Thomas Monds.

‘It’s not that I have a thing about units, I just don’t think Carrick needs to be a subdivision like the one behind Bunnings in Kings Meadows.
A sea of grey characterless roofs, the eaves 30cms apart and people living cheek by jowl,’ Ms Blackwell said.

‘I get that we’ve got a housing crisis but you can’t sneeze in some of these houses without being heard next door.

‘Meander Valley Council seems to have no regard to the thoughts and concerns of its ratepayers. 

‘It’s time this council was brought to account and ceased its seemingly ad hoc “approve at any cost” planning.

‘This council needs to begin to encourage development that both reflects and consolidates Carrick’s heritage.’

The McKaiges are also concerned about whether Carrick’s infrastructure can cope. The tip is almost full they say. More people means more refuse.

They claim there will be a stormwater issue. With blocks completely covered with buildings and no gardens, run-off water will overwhelm the stormwater system as happens in Melbourne.

‘The council’s general manager said they usually allow the development to happen and then do the infrastructure. How will that work?’ asked Sally McKaige.

‘Meander Valley Council talks about doing sustainable things. How does that fit in with small gardens, loss of trees and habitat for birds and animals?’

Carrick residents concerned about development issues placed petitions around the town. The McKaiges said the council proposed to send out a survey instead.

‘We thought it was a good idea,’ said Sally. ‘If the majority of residents want multi-
development we’ll just have to live with it. But people need a chance to voice their opinion instead of being ridden over by the council.’

Instead, Carrick residents are still waiting for the council’s promised survey.