By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
A CAMPAIGN to void a legal costs claim against Drysdale Clifton Springs Community Association (DCSCA) has won support from Environment Minister Lisa Neville.
Ms Neville, also state Labor’s Member for Bellarine, has provided a letter of support for DCSCA as it battles a costs claim in Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
The Independent reported last month that a petition was urging VCAT to rule out imposing costs against DCSCA over its failed bid to stop development of a service station at Drysdale.
“It is now of serious concern to me that this community based organisation in representing the views of the community is currently facing unknown legal costs,” she said.
“In addition, the awarding of costs against community organisations like DCSCA would act as a serious disincentive for any like community organisation involving itself in a local planning matter to the possible detriment of the community and the planning outcome.
“I register my concern that a volunteer-run community organisation in trying to represent and express concerns of its community is now faced with unknown but possibly extensive legal costs.”
Ms Neville said she shared the “extensive concern… and opposition within the local community” over the proposed service station.
“I have worked with DCSCA for many years and I know the organisation has accepted and carried out the role of advocating for the local community responsibly and transparently.
“DCSCA is a well-managed professionally operated organisation that does consult with the local community and is seen to represent the views of that community across a range of issues.”
The petition, which Drysdale’s Aaron Cooper initiated, has attracted more than 320 supporters and aims for 500 signatures.
The petition says awarding costs against DCSCA would likely mean the end of the organisation, which would be “a huge loss to the community”.
