Council
3 September, 2025
Tension over farmhouse subdivisions
A PETITION urging Corangamite Shire councillors to “reconsider their stance” on the subdivision of farmhouses in Simpson was noted at last week’s Ordinary Meeting of Council.
The petition, which was brought before council at July’s meeting, comprised 65 signatures asking council to consider the impact their stance was having on the community of Simpson.
“We understand the reasoning behind your decision however you need to understand the impact these decisions are having on our community,” the petition read.
“The intent to keep the farms whole so in 25 years it can return to farming is having a dire impact on our community now.
“ln 25 years we may not have a community and in all honesty, who aside from corporate farmers will be able to afford to return that land to farming?
“We ask that you not sacrifice what is left of our community, but help build on what is left.
“Subdivide these houses and give our community a chance to thrive again, give young people an opportunity to grow their assets and remain in an area and industry they love.”
The recommendation before council was to advise the petitioners council considers each planning permit application on its own merit, which was moved by councillor Jamie Vogels.
Cr Vogels said the solution for Simpson’s declining population didn’t lie in subdividing farming properties.
“Rural communities like Simpson have been hollowed out, not by choice but by policy,” he said.
“Let’s shift the conversation though and this isn’t just about
subdivision, it’s about stewardship.
“Right now, we’ve got farmhouses sitting empty on land sold to plantation companies.
“These homes aren’t being lived in and slowly they’re becoming derelict – that’s a waste to the Simpson community.
“A better solution, a simpler solution, is to rent them out.”
Cr Vogels said the onus fell on plantation companies to rent farmhouses out to the Simpson community.
“Let the plantation owners show that they are good corporate citizens – let them contribute to the towns the trees surround,” he said.
“These houses could be homes for tradies, teachers, young families or retirees.
“We talk about fragmentation, but what fragments a community faster than empty houses and disappearing people?
“Subdivisions might be one pathway but it’s not often the right one.
“Renting is faster, simpler and it doesn’t compromise the long-term use of the land.”
Councillor Jo Beard seconded the motion, agreeing with Cr Vogels and said planning couldn’t take a one-size-fits-all approach.
“We base every planning decision based on its merit and that’s one thing that I think Corangamite Shire can always be proud of – over many, many years, that’s what we’ve stayed true to,” she said.
“When you actually look at all the planning applications that have come in around subdivision or excisions of farm lots it’s only a small proportion of that has actually been around the trees.
“Really when you look at the 45 applications since 2020 it’s stated that we’ve actually issued 30 permits.
“We have to stay true to ourselves where we base every application on its merits and look at it as its one self and not try and do a one-size-fits-all approach.
“Based on those numbers I think we’re still fairly fair around how we look at each application.”
The motion was moved unanimously.