Council supports service station proposal on Hopkins Highway, Mortlake
Published on 28 October 2025
Moyne Shire Council has resolved to grant a planning permit for a proposed service station development on the Hopkins Highway in Mortlake.
The proposal will occupy around 1.36 hectares of an 8.1 hectare site located south-west of Mortlake. The site is currently vacant, and the new development will include fuel facilities, parking for cars and trucks, and internal access roads.
Council’s determination follows a detailed planning assessment, consideration of five objections and a petition with 282 signatures, and referral to relevant authorities including the Department of Transport and Planning and Wannon Water.
The permit will be issued subject to a range of conditions designed to ensure environmental protection, amenity management, and traffic safety. These include requirements for a stormwater management plan, a landscape plan, and approval from the Department of Transport for access works on the Hopkins Highway.
Mayor, Cr Karen Foster said the decision balanced local community concerns with planning policy and strategic development priorities.
“Council recognises this has been a highly discussed proposal in the Mortlake community,” said Cr Foster.
“While we acknowledge the objections received, the assessment process has been thorough and considered all viewpoints, including the site’s strategic position along a key transport route.”
Cr Foster said the development’s proximity to existing industrial land and the Western Victorian Livestock Exchange supported the proposal’s location.
“The site’s position on a major freight and transport corridor means it has the potential to service heavy vehicles and travellers without adding to congestion in Mortlake township,” she said.
“This will be a development welcomed by many in Mortlake that is likely to result in new jobs for locals.”
To ensure the development meets local and environmental standards, the permit includes conditions requiring:
- A stormwater and drainage system to be designed and maintained to protect nearby waterways.
- Safe vehicle access and signage improvements to meet Department of Transport standards.
- Connection to reticulated sewerage at no cost to Council or Wannon Water.
- Measures to protect the amenity of nearby residents, including limits on delivery hours and controls on lighting and noise.
The proposal aligns with Moyne Shire’s Council Plan 2025–2029 objectives to improve access to services and support major projects that strengthen the region’s infrastructure and economy.
Council’s full assessment and planning permit conditions are available in the October 2025 Council meeting agenda.