Historical information

In 1993 Eltham Shire Council issued a permit to Michael Muzur, Terry Lant and Andrew McMillan to redevelop the former Montmorency Theatre/Bingo Hall at 41-43 Were Street as an alcohol-free youth entertainment centre. Ron McCormack, retired former JP on behalf of 41 Joint Appellants consisting of local residents and traders successfully lobbied the community and won an Appeal to have the permit cancelled as unsuitable development. The Administrative Appeal Tribunal found that the proposed development came withing the Eltham Planning Scheme definition of an 'amusement parlour' and that the playing of pool an amusement machines would be the focus of the centre and unlikely to attract older age groups. The tribunal was not satisfied the applicants had sufficient knowledge or where with all required for the successful running of this type of operation. With respect to the objectors, the Tribunal did not accept that a responsibly managed and attractive amusement parlour could not coexist near the adjoining residential area and without detriment to the commercial centre.

At a Council meeting on June 7, 1994 councillors requested a report outlining criteria to be used to assess planning applications for youth entertainment venues given the Tribunal's view that a poorly managed facility in a small neighbourhood shopping centre, particularly in such close proximity to a residential area would not only have the potential to increase perceived youth problems, but could jeopardise the prospects of future proposals.

Ron McCormack moved to Montmorency from Coburg in the early 1980s and from then sat on the bench at Eltham Courthouse when Police requested assistance out of hours, until the eventuial closure of the Courthouse.

Physical description

Folder of paper dcments, approx 50mm thick
Digitised material:
1. Letter: Ron McCormack to Peter Leeder, Secretary, Montmorency Shopping Village Traders Association, 24 June 1994
2. Letter: Peter Leeder, Secretary, Montmorency Shopping Village Traders Association to Ron McCormack, 11 June 1994 expressing appreciation of efforts regarding submission on the Amusement Parlour and Disco to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal
3. Letter: St Francis Xavier Education Board, 23 June 1994, expressing gratitude in efforts to oppose the proposed redevelopment of the Montmorency Bingo Hall
4. News article: Views sought on good management by Fiona Kaegi, June 1994, publication unknown
5. Letter: Administrative Appeals Tribunal of Victoria, 2 Jun 1994 – notification of cancellation of appeal by proposed developers
6. Appeal No. 1993/75091: 14 pages description and background to the proposed development and appeal
7. Submission to The Administrative Appeal Tribunal in support of Appeal against the decision of the Shire of Eltham (as Responsible Authority) to grant a Permit for a Place of Assembly (Youth Entertainment Centre) to operate at premises described as 41-43 Were Street, Montmorency; Notice of Decision dated 22/12/93, Shire of Eltham Reference: E93/430, from R.F. McCormack (on behalf of 41 Joint Appellants)
8. Addendum to Submission Presented by R.F. McCormack on behalf of 41 Joint Appellants in support of Appeal against the decision of the Shire of Eltham (as Responsible Authority) to grant a Permit for a Place of Assembly (Youth Entertainment Centre) to operate at premises described as 41-43 Were Street, Montmorency; Notice of Decision dated 22/12/93, Shire of Eltham Reference: E93/430; Tribunal Hearing held on 26/4/94 on adjournment from 19/4/94
9. Applicants’ submission presented by M. Muzur.
10. Shire of Eltham, Appeal No. 1993/057053, Hearing Time/Date 10 am 19.4.94, Application No. E93/430, Written Submission on Behalf of The Shire of Eltham as the responsible Authority
11. Appendices: Part of the Submission of the Responsible Authority, The Shire of Eltham
Not Digitised
12. Background material consisting of letters, consultations, Shire of Eltham correspondence, etc, news clipping, permit grants, etc (approx.: 25mm thick)

Also originally included with file were 10 colour aerial photographs of Montmorency Shopping Village (some duplicates) 15 x 20.5 cm filed separatey 9 see EDHS_05500)