Mansfield Shire’s draft plans for the Delatite Valley have created a lot of interest and have started conversations across the Merrijig area.

An open information session held at the Hunt Club Hotel last week saw more than 60 local residents turn up to hear a summary of the draft plan and to then open up conversations about the plan’s future.

Two local residents along McCormack’s Road held concerns about the planned walking path following the Delatite River from Merrijig to Sawmill Settlement.

One resident along that road, whose property is bordered by the river, was not aware of this plan, and in fact that it could possibly encroach through his property.

During a discussion following the meeting, two of the residents on that road said they held concerns for the plan – not that a walking path would be good and an advantage to the township – but the route it would take going through private property or having to be formed along a steep river bank in places.

Another concerning voice was that of debris still lying about from when the old bridge crossing of the river on Mt Buller Road had not been cleaned up.

This has taken far too long to correct, one resident said.

Many of the residents spoken to after the meeting said they agreed with much of the ideas put forward in this draft plan – such as a public toilet block, visitor information centre, a specially formed lookout and photographic spot where the best photo views of Mt Buller and other surrounds could be taken from.

An industrial area designated for Merrijig was queried but was explained as a requirement for all small towns under government rules – not necessarily to come to fruition.

Delatite Valley Association president, Mary Dunn, opened the session welcoming everyone to the hotel and thanking the manager Guy Whitby for hosting the meeting.

She made it quite clear that this plan was that of the Shire and not the DVA – but members of the DVA would be on hand, and following the meeting, to help anyone word and submit suggestions or thoughts on the plan to the Shire.

DVA member Ross May spoke to the meeting outlining some of the major points of the draft but also making it clear that points in the plan were not that of the DVA.

Mr May pointed out that any growth in buildings/homes would not affect Sawmill Settlement as no further land was available for development in that area.

There was scope, however, for further development beyond Pinnacle Valley Resort but this was only in ‘exploration’ at present.

Other areas outlined for possible housing development were still only in research stages.

It was also announced that a further public meeting would be held at the Merrijig Hall on Friday, 8 August at 9am.

One resident asked if it was possible for the DVA to negotiate with the Shire to hold a drop-in session or workshop on the plan at times other than working hours, which would give residents who worked a chance to also find out more about the plan.

At present, all allocated workshops and drop-in sessions have been planned for during working hours.

Mr May thanked everyone for coming to the information session and strongly advised residents to start that conversation between themselves and put their thoughts and remarks back to council.

He also advised that anyone who had not read the draft plan to go online and do so, as it contains a lot more information than had been outlined on the night.

The Mansfield Shire council has extended its deadline for submissions to this plan to 13 August 2025.

For submissions go to engage.mansfield.vic.gov.au and follow the prompt to Delatite Valley Plan.