Abattoir jobs ‘at risk’: Masters’ Corio plan a threat to MC Herd

By John Van Klaveren
THE REGION’S second Masters store could threaten the future of a long-established abattoir employing 200 staff, according to a council report.
The Masters home improvement retail chain plans to open a store on Bacchus Marsh Rd, opposite MC Herd meatworks.
The council report said the site was inappropriate for residential development because of the potential impact of the abattoir.
Land directly east and south-east of the Masters’ site could be developed for residential purposes if the abattoir relocated, the report said.
“The (structure) plan also recognises that, in the event of the relocation of the abattoir, the site is ideally suited for future urban uses.”
The Independent reported in December that the region’s last abattoir was concerned about its future.
MC Herd managing director Frank Herd said his business faced a number of attempts to infringe on the abattoir’s 500-metre buffer zone.
The Masters site is next to land earmarked for a future commercial precinct and business park.
The $13 million Masters development would create 188 jobs during construction and 176 ongoing jobs, the report said.
“The site is well positioned to accommodate commercial development that would benefit from exposure to Bacchus Marsh Rd,” the report said.
The large-format home improvement store would have floor area of 13,700 square metres.
The development would include trade supplies, retailing, landscaping and gardening supplies and 487 car parks.
The 5.8-hectare site would have to be rezoned from residential to business, with the area included in council’s retail strategy as a homemaker precinct.
The development would include four retail premises with a floor area of 4770 square metres.
Planning permit conditions relating to building design, landscaping and delivery times would ensure impact on nearby residents was “reduced to acceptable levels”, the report said.
“Noise is the main issue with residents backing onto the delivery area,” the report noted.
“Ideally, the delivery dock should be enclosed.”
The report said a three-metre acoustic wall with tree planting would buffer the residential area.
The report said traffic signals would need to be installed at the Plantation Rd intersection.
The Independent reported last month that Masters also planned to build a store on the Bellarine Hwy at Leopold.