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Residents opposed to Bacchus Marsh Grammar expansion

Artist's impression of the latest school proposal for 300 students

Urgent Action needed!

Bacchus Marsh Grammar (BMG) has used the Victorian government's "streamlined planning approvals for non-government schools" to apply directly to the Minister for Planning, Sonya Kilkenny, for a new permit to change the use of its property at 155 Staughton Vale Road, Staughton Vale.

This would supersede the existing permit - for a small Agricultural School - to a new primary and secondary school with no mention of "agriculture" on farm zoned property in a small rural community.

The new primary school plan is for 300 students in addition to the 150 students who are currently day visitors PLUS another maximum of 450 at events on up to 16 days a year.  So, on some days, there's the potential for up to 900 students, plus teachers, other staff and parents, to be on the site and travelling on our local roads.

New buildings will substantially increase the built footprint on the property and will undoubtably impact on the scenic nature of the region around the north slopes of Mt Anakie.

Report from this week's residents meeting

On Tuesday 21st July about 40 local residents attended a meeting to discuss a dramatic expansion with participants calling on all locals to react quickly. 

At the meeting, held at the Anakie Community House, residents expressed their grave concerns about the lack of signage on the property - with incorrect speed limit quoted as the reason - and the very late notifications to immediate neighbours. 

Some residents first heard about the proposal last week.   Many had been involved with BMG's original planning permit about 10 years ago. 

We have been told by the Department of Planning that the submissions can be made via email to development.assessment@transport.vic.gov.au

The advertising period will end on 28/07/2026, however they will continue to accept submissions at any time prior to a decision being made. The minister can make a decision the next day if she wishes.

What residents have been doing

Due to the short notice it's been difficult for people to know what to do but quick action by some residents has resulted in a lawyer being asked to provide an opinion on resident's options.

Problems identified at the residents meeting included location, traffic, water, wildlife, bushfires, sewerage and landscape issues, all of which we need time to consider.

Some emails have been sent to the Minister and to our local member, Ella George. (more on that in a follow up blog)

Help out by writing you own email

Please write to the following people. All you need do is express your concern - as a local resident - that you have not been given enough time to understand what the proposal entails and its potential impact on the community. This is a perfectly reasonable request.  You can add more about your personal concerns or interests but keep your email short and sweet.  Express annoyance if you like but don't be rude or defamatory.

In the Subject line use this: URGENT Ministerial permit: PA2604229

Send you email to:  
Hon. Sonya Kilkenny, Minister for Planning 

In the Cc: section of your email also include the following Members of Parliament:
Member for Lara (Lower House)

Members for the Western Region  (Upper House)

Where to find plans and details for the proposal

Full documentation can be found here: Ministry for Planning website 

Here's how to Keep Informed

NEXT MEETING: Monday 27 July 7pm at Anakie Community House. ALL WELCOME
Thanks go to the wonderful folks who have helped organise this quick response to a very serious matter.
We will get more information up ASAP so please check in to this site regularly and watch the Facebook page

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