On 15 December 1994 the former Shire of Eltham ceased to exist following the Liberal Kennett Government local council amalgamations. A new Nillumbik Shire Council was established with unelected commissioners appointed. That Council sold the former Eltham Shire Council Offices and land at 89S Main Road Eltham to Dallas Price Homes Pty. Ltd. the sale being conditional upon the granting of a planning permit for a petrol station/convenience store, fast food and video outlet. The sale was conditional that if the permit was not granted by 30 August. 1997, the contract could be avoided by either the purchaser or the vendor. The proposed development consisted of a petrol station with undercover fuelling facilities, convenience shopping, a drive through service facility for fast food, an 80 seat cafe, automated banking, a children's play area and retail space. In addition, the proposal included a 200 square metre community facility for Council use, provision of on site carparking over 2 levels for 83 vehicles, and advertising signage. The Advisory Committee was appointed under Section 151 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 to hear submissions on the proposal to develop the land at 895 Main Road Eltham, the site of the former Eltham Shire Offices. In September 1996, two applications were made by Contour Consultants Australia Pty Ltd on behalf of Dallas Price Homes Ply Ltd, to Nillumbik Shire Council. After extensive notification, the Council received 213 objections and a petition of over 1400 signatures. On October 9, 1996, Nillumbik Shire Council issued Notices of Decision to Grant Permit on Applications number 96/03376 and 96/0377 for the use and development of the land as a convenience Centre consisting of a petrol station, convenience store, cafe/takeaway food premises, a retail facility and a community facility, with associated advertising signs. Objectors to the proposals lodged Planning Appeals number 96/40724 and 96/40812 with the Administrative Appeals Tribunal on November 1, 1996. The grounds of appeal can be summarised as: inappropriate development, insufficient carparking, traffic and access issues, unsatisfactory design, inadequate permit conditions, the proposal being out of character with the area. and being contrary to the purpose and orderly development of the Eltham Town Centre, excessive noise, lack of consultation and unsuitable signage. On November 13, 1996, the Minister for Planning and Local Government directed the Registrar of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. under Section 41 (1) (a) of the Planning Act 1980, to refer the Appeals to the Governor in Council for determination without a hearing or recommendation by the Tribunal. The Minister for Planning and Local Government called in the Appeals as he considered that they raised major issues of policy relating to the facilitation of development in accordance with the objectives set out in Section 4 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987, and that determination of the Appeals could have a substantial effect on the achievement of these planning objectives. The Minister required the Advisory Committee to consider the planning merits of the proposed use and development, and to address the issues raised in the objections. The Advisory Committee was required to produce a report providing: • The Committee's response to the matters detailed; • Relevant supporting information for the Advisory Committee's recommendation; and • A description of the proceedings conducted by the Advisory Committee and a list of those consulted or heard by the Committee. In March 1997, elections were held in the Shire of Nillumbik and the view of the new Council to this proposal differed from the view held by the earlier Council Hence the Submission made to the Committee by the Shire was against the decision by the Shire of Nillumbik to issue the Notices of Decision to Grant a Permit. The Recommendations of the Advisory Committee were: i. The cafe and take away food premises are as of right uses and are therefore allowable, but that shop and petrol station are unacceptable uses. A community facility is a discretionary use and is acceptable. ii. A development of the type and scale proposed is totally inappropriate for this land and that the Applications number 96/03376 and 96/0377 for the use and development of the land as a convenience Centre consisting of a petrol station, convenience store, café/takeaway food premises, a retail facility and a community facility, with associated advertising signs, be refused. iii. The land should be rezoned for public purposes and should remain in the community's ownership for community use. 895 main road, advisory committee, dallas price homes, eltham, eltham shire office, nillumbik shire council, planning application, administrative appeals tribunal

On 15 December 1994 the former Shire of Eltham ceased to exist following the Liberal Kennett Government local council amalgamations. A new Nillumbik Shire Council was established with unelected commissioners appointed. That Council sold the former Eltham Shire Council Offices and land at 89S Main Road Eltham to Dallas Price Homes Pty. Ltd. the sale being conditional upon the granting of a planning permit for a petrol station/convenience store, fast food and video outlet. The sale was conditional that if the permit was not granted by 30 August. 1997, the contract could be avoided by either the purchaser or the vendor. The proposed development consisted of a petrol station with undercover fuelling facilities, convenience shopping, a drive through service facility for fast food, an 80 seat cafe, automated banking, a children's play area and retail space. In addition, the proposal included a 200 square metre community facility for Council use, provision of on site carparking over 2 levels for 83 vehicles, and advertising signage. An Advisory Committee consisting of Dimitry Reed and Margaret Pitt was appointed under Section 151 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 to hear submissions on the proposal to develop the land at 895 Main Road Eltham, the site of the former Eltham Shire Offices. In September 1996, two applications were made by Contour Consultants Australia Pty Ltd on behalf of Dallas Price Homes Ply Ltd, to Nillumbik Shire Council. After extensive notification, the Council received 213 objections and a petition of over 1400 signatures. On October 9, 1996, Nillumbik Shire Council issued Notices of Decision to Grant Permit on Applications number 96/03376 and 96/0377 for the use and development of the land as a convenience Centre consisting of a petrol station, convenience store, cafe/takeaway food premises, a retail facility and a community facility, with associated advertising signs. Objectors to the proposals lodged Planning Appeals number 96/40724 and 96/40812 with the Administrative Appeals Tribunal on November 1, 1996. The grounds of appeal can be summarised as: inappropriate development, insufficient carparking, traffic and access issues, unsatisfactory design, inadequate permit conditions, the proposal being out of character with the area. and being contrary to the purpose and orderly development of the Eltham Town Centre, excessive noise, lack of consultation and unsuitable signage. On November 13, 1996, the Minister for Planning and Local Government directed the Registrar of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. under Section 41 (1) (a) of the Planning Act 1980, to refer the Appeals to the Governor in Council for determination without a hearing or recommendation by the Tribunal. The Minister for Planning and Local Government called in the Appeals as he considered that they raised major issues of policy relating to the facilitation of development in accordance with the objectives set out in Section 4 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987, and that determination of the Appeals could have a substantial effect on the achievement of these planning objectives. The Minister required the Advisory Committee to consider the planning merits of the proposed use and development, and to address the issues raised in the objections. The Advisory Committee was required to produce a report providing: • The Committee's response to the matters detailed; • Relevant supporting information for the Advisory Committee's recommendation; and • A description of the proceedings conducted by the Advisory Committee and a list of those consulted or heard by the Committee. In March 1997, elections were held in the Shire of Nillumbik and the view of the new Council to this proposal differed from the view held by the earlier Council Hence the Submission made to the Committee by the Shire was against the decision by the Shire of Nillumbik to issue the Notices of Decision to Grant a Permit. The Recommendations of the Advisory Committee were: i. The cafe and take away food premises are as of right uses and are therefore allowable, but that shop and petrol station are unacceptable uses. A community facility is a discretionary use and is acceptable. ii. A development of the type and scale proposed is totally inappropriate for this land and that the Applications number 96/03376 and 96/0377 for the use and development of the land as a convenience Centre consisting of a petrol station, convenience store, café/takeaway food premises, a retail facility and a community facility, with associated advertising signs, be refused. iii. The land should be rezoned for public purposes and should remain in the community's ownership for community use. Following this, the Minister for Planning and Local Government, the Hon. Robert Maclellan, appointed Mr. Paul Jerome as an Advisory Committee under section 151 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 to consider a Convenience Centre and an alternative proposal by Iha Shire of Nillumbik being the Eltham Gateway Community Precinct Concept Plan for the site of the former Shire of Eltham municipal offices at 895 Main Road, Eltham. In summary, the terms of reference for the Advisory Committee required it to: • consider the merits of the Council proposal • examine the merits of both proposals in terms of net community benefit • address the report of the previous Advisory Committee on the Convenience Centre proposal The Advisory Committee inspected the site and considered all the material before It including submissions made by all parties to the previous Advisory Committee and correspondence received by the Department of Infrastructure both before and after that Committee submltted its report. The Advisory Committee also held discussions with the following people: • Cr. Robert Marshall • Cr. Margaret Jennings • Cr. Lex de Man • Mr. Dallas Howgate of Dallas Price Properties, also Dallas Price Homes • Mr. Barry Rochford, CEO, Shire of Nillumbik • Ms. Yvonne Rust, Planning Officer, Shire of Nillumbik • Mr. Gregory Burgess, Architect of the Eltham Library and of Council’s Community Precinct Concept Plan • Mr. Jim Connor representing Mrs Thelma Barkway of the Eltham Senior Citizens Club Having considered all the material before it, the Committee arrived at two basic conclusions. First, the DPP proposal should be rejected because, on its merits, It does not sufficiently satisfy the requirements of the planning scheme which is a statutory document. The planning scheme requires that, before making a decision on the permit applications for the DPP proposal, a range of matters must be considered. It follows that consideration of these matters should Influence the decision. These matters include local policies relating to character and amenity. In particular, these policies seek • to conserve and enhance the bushland/country atmosphere, artistic heritage and strong sense of community of the Eltham Town Centre by ensuring that the design and height of any new development is sympathetic to existing buildings • to achieve a pleasing physical environment within the Eltham Town Centre by encouraging a high standard of architecture and urban design • to encourage Improvement to pedestrian amenity through such facilities as open and shattered rest areas and meeting places, crossing facilities, pedestrian arcades, pedestrian links to car parks and pedestrian weather protection • to reduce conflict between vehicular traffic and pedestrian flows, and • to encourage pedestrian thoroughfares It is submitted, as set out In the main body of this report, that the DPP proposal fails substantially to meet these policies and In so doing does not merit the exercise of discretion In Its favour with the Issuing of a permit. This finding is not offset by the investment and employment attributes of the proposal. They do not override the need to comply with the planning scheme. Second, the Council proposal, on Its own merits, substantially meets all statutory requirements applicable to this site with a possible reservation about car parking and traffic management which need further definition and assessment as the concept is refined. The Council proposal, however, has a serious weakness in that Its financial viability has not been adequately tested. The Committee refers to 'financial' rather than 'commercial' viability in recognition that Council owns the land and may enter into a range of agreements and partnerships to realise its concept some of which may be truly commercial and some of which may involve an element of subsidy arising from Council's involvement as a public body acting on behalf of its community. The Committee concludes that Council should be given the opportunity, within a reasonable timeframe to establish the financial feasibility of its concept and should develop a strategy for the future of Its land asset at 895 Main Road in the event that Its concept for the site cannot be realised. 895 main road, advisory committee, dallas price homes, eltham, eltham shire office, nillumbik shire council, planning application, administrative appeals tribunal

Eltham resident for more than 42 years, consultant in access and aged care issues, former Eltham Shire Councillor (1994), former member of Nillumbik Planning Special Committee (1996), community advocate, bike rider and President of Eltham District Historical Society from 2010 to present (2023) 1. How to Vote pamphlet: Lets make Eltham an even better place, Jim Connor for Eltham Council Central Riding - stood as an independent candidate against Nick McGowan 2. Newspaper article: Eltham's plans draw support; publication unknown (1994) - continuation of article about proposed realignment of Council boundaries and includes photo showing Cr Connor 3. Business Card: Jim Connor and associates, Consultant in Access and Aged Care Issues 4. Report: Meeting the challenge - we're well on the way! Nillumbik Budget 2005-2006 report card (8 page A4 report) featuring a photo of Nillumbik councillors and community members reviewing aerial photo of Eltham (includes Mayor Cr Greg Johnson, Cr Michael Young, Jim Connor, Russell Yeoman and two others) 5. Newspaper clipping, Local Knowledge, Diamond Valley Leader, November 2, 2011, p2 - interview with Jim Connor about living in the Diamond Valley 6. Consideration of an Honorary Life Membership for Jim Connor, Eltham District Historical Society 7. A Celebration of Community Historians at the RHSV's AGM, RHSV News, June 2019, p4 - presentation of RHSV Merit Award by RHSV President Richard Broome to Jim Connor 8. Newspaper article: Tree change a positive move, Why I love My Suburb, Diamond Valley Leader, July 24, 2019, p4 - interview with Jim Connor 9. Photo: B&W A4 print of Jim Connor with his e-bikeFolder of information on Jim Connoreltham district historical society, eltham shire council, jim connor, nillumbik shire council, royal historical society of victoria, council elections

Conservation management plan (112 pages) prepared by Lee Andrews & Associates, Heritage Consultants, in 2011, for the Hustlers Reef Reserve. The reserve cover the site of the former Great Extended Hustlers Mine site. Leigh McKinnons amendments to the plan are included with the document. History of the site, a physical survey and analysis, comparative analysis, cultural significance and conservation policy are addressed in the document.bendigo, mining, great extended hustlers mine site

The Main Nurses Home of the Alfred Hospital was officially closed in 1992, for some time after that it was used to temporarily house some hospital departments and other groups.Conclusion of the report that the building and general amenities were now well below accepted standards, and any upgrading would not be cost effective. Subsequently the Main Nurses Home of the Alfred Hospital was demolished on August 5th 1996Of significance to the AHNL as many nurses lived there during their trainingComb-bound report enclosed in predominately white cardboard cover. The front cover has a broad black stripe at the right vertical margin intersecting with a shorter, narrower blakstripe at top right. The words HEALTH SCIENCE [in white] PLANNING [in grey] CONSULTANTS [in white on grey backgroud] are printed at top right of front cover along with a white logo on a blue background. HEALTH SCIENCE PLANNING CONSULTANTS is also printed in black on the spine. The report contains 48 coloured photographs and 5 floor/site plansPrevious catalogue number handwritten in red ink at centre top of front cover. Handwritten annotations alongside some photographsalfred hospital, alfred hospital main nurses home, nurses accommodation

The Main Nurses Home of the Alfred Hospital was officially closed in 1992, for some time after that it was used to temporarily house some hospital departments and other groups.Conclusion of the report that the building and general amenities were now well below accepted standards, and any upgrading would not be cost effective. Subsequently the Main Nurses Home of the Alfred Hospital was demolished on August 5th 1996Of significance to the AHNL as many nurses lived there during their trainingComb-bound report enclosed in predominately white cardboard cover. The front cover has a broad black stripe at the right vertical margin intersecting with a short narrower blakstripe at top right. The words HEALTH SCIENCE [in white] PLANNING [in grey] CONSULTANTS [in white on grey backgroud] are printed at top right of front cover along with a white logo on a blue background. HEALTH SCIENCE PLANNING CONSULTANTS is also printed in black on the spine. The report contains 48 coloured photographs and 5 floor/site plans'NURSES/HOME' handwritten on front cover [black ink]. There is also a black ink line at centr top of front coveralfred hospital, alfred hospital main nurses home, nurses accommodation

'Fortuna' was developed by George Lansell, the 'Quartz King', from the 1870s to 1906. The estate features a mansion, a notable Italian water garden with imported elements, and a large lake originally used for mining. The property covers 6.7 hectares and contains many mature trees, including palms, poplars, pepper trees, Norfolk Island pines, and various specimen trees. Since 1942 to the 1980s, the Department of Defence has owned and maintained the property. General Considerations are to: 1 Preserve and restore the heritage value and history of the gardens to complement historic buildings. Maintain plant health and species diversity to enhance the area's character. 2 Address financial constraints, human use, military requirements, and stakeholder engagement. 3 Employ qualified experts to prepare the plan. 4 Address historical significance, plant health, heritage value, remedial works, and visual character (including maintaining views and screening modern structures). 5 Restore garden design to its original character where possible. 6 Recommend measures for future works to protect garden health and significant trees. 7 Identify and map significant plants and recommend suitable species for replanting. Consultant to start in September 1994 and complete by December 1994 with Regular meetings with a steering committee and encourage public involvement. The plan aims to ensure the long-term preservation, enhancement, and appropriate use of the heritage gardens, balancing historical, ecological, recreational, and military needs. In 1996 Fancine Gilfedder and Associates produced the Garden Conservation Management Plan for the Department of Defence: This Conservation Management Plan for the historic Fortuna Bendigo Garden outlines its historical development, significance, and strategies for preservation and management. 1. The plan was commissioned by the Department of Defence and prepared by Francine Gilfedder & Associates in 1996. It covers the Fortuna Garden site, its heritage status, and the methodology used for assessment. 2. Historical OverviewProvides a detailed chronology of the garden's development and its phases. Identifies significant materials, features, and architectural elements. 3. Site AssessmentSurveys existing site conditions, including plant and tree inventories.Documents architectural features and general landscape conditions. 4. Assesses the garden's heritage value using established criteria (e.g., Burra Charter, AHC criteria). Identifies elements of significance and provides comparative analysis with similar sites. 5. Summarizes the heritage value and unique aspects of the Fortuna Garden. 6. Outlines statutory and non-statutory requirements, user needs, and physical constraints affecting management. 7. Recommends general and component-specific policies for conservation. 8. Implementation Provides guidelines and specific recommendations for development and ongoing management. 9. Details best practices for tree, shrub, rose, and lawn care, as well as maintenance of paths and structures.Fortuna Villa Conservation Management Plans This Document Contains the following Items: 11231.4a This document is a draft brief by the army, 1994. It outlines the brief for a conservation management plan for the heritage gardens and surrounds of Fortuna Villa in Bendigo. It's three pages outlines Purpose, Background History and General Considerations, requirements and a summary. Seven first pages reproduced here. 11231.4b This Conservation Management Plan for the historic Fortuna Bendigo Garden outlines its historical development, significance, and strategies for preservation and management. Black Fabric Binding of approximately 110 pages (printed on both sides), photocopy with photos and plans. The first four pages showing the cover and index are shown here. 11231.4c Undated. This document is a horticultural report providing suggestions for improving the grounds and gardens at 'Fortuna', a historic estate now used by the Army Survey Regiment in Bendigo. The black and white report of approx 100 pages is "Spiralex" bound. It contains - it is compiled for the army by Karl Liffman (TAFE horticulture department) and Ian Huxley (experienced horticulturist and garden designer), with input from gardening apprentices. It contains many photos with new suggestions overlyared on top of them. The report addresses only the grounds and gardens visible to visitors: main drive, car parks, front garden, and areas around the lake. Recommendations are from a horticultural perspective, emphasizing plant variety and practical maintenance over formal landscape architecture.PurposeAims to guide the Army in developing and maintaining Fortuna’s gardens, recognizing the property's heritage and its value for public relations. 11231.4d An unbound copy of the above 11231.4e A letter to Range Control, Department of Defence, Puckapunyal, from Francine Gilfedder and Associates, Landscape Architect and Horticulturist, 15 Dover St Richmond; and a 18 page management plan. The plan aims to guide the conservation and management of the Fortuna Villa gardens, focusing on heritage values and preservation needs. May 1995. 11231.4f March 1996 five page document which outlines a conservation and restoration proposal for the Pompeii Fountain and adjacent heritage structures at Fortuna, Golden Square, Victoria. The fountain's steel column was severely rusted; rendered surfaces and marble font were deteriorating; adjacent garden walls and staircases were failing. 11231.4g Copy of above 11231.4h A five page document which contains key points from the conservation and restoration plan for Fortuna Villa. 1990s. 11231.4i A 30 page document. Part of the conservation policy and management plan for the Fortuna estate: 11231.4j A six page document is a conservation management plan and tree health report for Fortuna Villa in Bendigo, focusing on diagnosing tree diseases, assessing tree conditions, and recommending removal or treatment actions. Prepared by Francine Gilfedder and Associates, Landscape Architect and Horticulturist, 15 Dover St Richmond for the army. 11231.4k The one page document is a tree inspection report for a Sierra Redwood at Fortuna Villa, Bendigo, prepared in response to concerns about the tree's stability after the removal of a nearby specimen. Prepared by Trevor Lawrence Tree Surgeon, 830 Barkley St Ballarat. July 1995 11231.4l A 15 page document which provides an interpretive plan and historical overview for Fortuna Villa, a heritage site in Bendigo, focusing on its history, significance, and strategies for visitor engagement. 1995 prepared by Dianne Bish, Eaglehawk 11231.4m A large army plan of the Fortuna Grounds with prominent trees marked.bendigo, fortuna villa, history, army survey regiment, gardens, conservation management