Tuesday, August 20, 2013

The Plan - Approved!


Exciting news! Our Development Application was approved by Local Council last night.

We sat in the little cordoned-off gallery of the above Local Council Chambers to witness the decision. The process was fascinating. A pastor from a local Church started the proceedings with a prayer and then the Mayor began running through the agenda. Daniel was called up to do a 3 minute spiel about the proposal. He was his usual cool, calm and collected self in the car on the way, knowing he had done the numbers and had enough votes to carry the proposal after personally speaking to the Councillors over the previous weeks.  Though he would never admit it, the nerves must have finally got to him because he forgot my name and referred to me in his opening line as his wife, Daniel. Twice.

I, on the other hand, was a nervous wreck the entire day.

There was a debate followed by a vote. It was unanimous, with all Aldermen in favour of the proposal. It felt like we were on trial, except instead of the adversarial system I am used to from my old Lawyer days pre-kids,  the Councillors stood and said such nice things about the project. It almost brought tears to my eyes. 

Instead of just raising their hands they all gave individual  speeches on the record lending support and wishing us well. They said things like "bold" and "adventurous" and "innovative". It really brought home the scale of the project and how crazy things are going to get around here. The hard work really starts now.

The only problem with a Monday night Council meeting is that many of our favourite restaurants in town were closed but we made our way down to Salamanca and settled in to Smolt for a celebratory dinner, which was brilliant. 

Back to reality today as I spent the afternoon fossicking around the house to put together very crude "Robin Hood" and "Little Cat G" outfits for the boys for their book week parade tomorrow. 

The dichotomy of our project and the daily grind are not lost on me!


40 comments :

  1. Your idea looks awesome! Great news it got the bureaucratic seal of approval - how exciting (and probably a little scary) for you xx

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  2. Well done, it sounds like you have HUGE support which is awesome. We just did book week parade yesterday, warms the cockles of my heart really. mel x

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  3. BIG Congratulations!!! How exciting to watch the process and hear all the positive comments! Enjoy your book parade :) Wendy x

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  4. Now the bureaucratic bit is over (for the time being) you can get on with the exciting work. Congratulations, pleased you got your approval.

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  5. Well done! I think all your readers feel a small sense of victory as well, since we've been rooting for you :) Now on to the next step!

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  6. oh gosh, that is so very exciting. And how wonderful to hear of a bit of warmth in a council meeting. Great things ahead! :)

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  7. Congratulations! This is such exciting news! Can you see the smile on my face across the miles here in Canada? :-)

    I think it is hilarious that your husband forgot your name. In future years that will become a big part of The Story.

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  8. Congratulations! Very excited for you.

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  9. Big, big CONGRATULATIONS to you Mel and your wonderful family. I am SO thrilled for you! Happy to.

    On another note, I've been catching up with your most recent posts since our return from holiday and I am hugging you in a 'go for it' kind of way about the weight loss. I'm 4.5 kg over my pre-Angélique weight. I lost it all when she was around a year and a half old and then put it on again after being diagnosed as asthmatic during a very cold winter when my toddler preferred to stay indoors. These days I'm swimming and cycling three times a week and feeling much better for it energywise and mentally although I have not lost any weight really.

    Perhaps we could cheer each other one? I don't drink much alcohol but I have a bad nibbling tendancy particularly in the evenings when the going gets tough on the home front :-) At 44 years old I'm aware my metabolism is slow but I can be determined, just like you! So, shall we hold hands across the oceans?

    Hugs,

    Stephanie

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  10. "Aaah brilliant!" I said. My eldest said "What?" I said "Oh Mel's had her planning application approved." "Who is Mel?" he said. "Oh you won't know her," I said "She lives in Tasmania." "You are so sad." he said and walked off. That may well be true, but still, hearty congratulations to you all. Chuffed for you.

    Leanne xx

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  11. Woohoo ... well done ... you should be delighted with yourselves ... good luck for the future project ... Bee xxx

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  12. This is such exciting news! Can't way to see this next adventure unfolding. Congratulations to you and.............your wife Daniel! xo

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  13. Congratulations Mel. Now onward and upward. Wishing you all the best.

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  14. So happy for you both- council approval is always scary to me! We had to fight hard to get approval for the hut, mainly due to our access issues!

    So nice that the councillors were so supportive and I laughed a little about his wife, Daniel!

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  15. ahh, fantastic, I'm so delighted for you. How exciting!

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  16. Yay!!!! Fantastic Mel (aka wife Daniel). xx

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  17. Congrats! How exciting for Hobart! Rx

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  18. Congratulations! As I've mentioned previously, I've worked as a town planner for nearly 20 years, albeit specialising in cultural and historic heritage conservation. Only approx 1% of developments get refused by Councils and this usually occurs after the applicant has been given the opportunity to further address planning scheme requirements or make amendments to ensure compliance. I would have been absolutely shocked for your development to not be approved - it is precisely the sort of development that Councils (and planners) like to see happening, despite people frequently bagging out us planners, the planning process and Councils. After your positive outcome, I do hope you don't think we're all that bad! ;) I personally think the development will be a fantastic asset for the Coal River Valley and will also nicely compliment nearby vineyard businesses and Richmond village attractions. Best of luck Mel, looking forward to seeing the business up and running. My husband and I frequent Meadowbank for lunch and I can certainly see us checking out your development as well (I LOVE the pick-your-own component).
    Must thank you also very much for passing on your obstetricians contact details - I love the guy, he is a gem.

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  19. Fantastic news Mel! I'll be following your progress with much anticipation and excitement!

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  20. I just felt the approval would go through, it's a fantastic idea and I'm looking forward to how it all unfolds! Well done :) x

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  21. Oh well done. I bet it's a weight off your chest.
    Now the fun begins. x

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  22. YAY!! I can't wait to visit!! You are true trail blazers. Congratulations and here's to big things!! BTW ... loving the Council chambers!! Go get 'em family!!

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  23. So exciting, Mel. HUGE congratulations, what a relief and so well deserved. I can't wait to see this project unfold, I'll be lining up to visit when you open. Belinda xx

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  24. Hurrah!!! And other such celebratory congratulations. You guys are going to build just the most awesome business here ... good luck!

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  25. Yay! I'm so happy for you. I'll definitely be heading down there when this all gets off the ground. It is the exact sort of place I want to take Imogen on holidays too when she is older!

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  26. Hi Mel,
    Thank you so much for your lovely comment and becoming my latest follower and introducing me to your lovely blog. Congratulations on your development application approval. How exciting your plans look amazing! You live in such a beautiful location, I shall enjoy following you too.
    Sarah x

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  27. hurray! i knew it! of course it had to go through, and you will find everything it takes to go forward to completion and beyond!! i will be cheering you on from here! congratulations coal valley view family!

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  28. That's great news, Mel. Now the dream becomes reality!! x

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  29. That's fantastic, congratulations! Now the hard work begins :)

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  30. Woohoo for you! How exciting to reach this stage. Well done and all the best as you start building.

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  31. I'm so chuffed for you guys - it's such a brilliant project! x

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  32. YAY YAY YAY
    CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!
    'Dichotomy' - what a wonderful word :-)

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  33. Congrats Dan, let the fun begin ! x

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  34. Oh wow, how amazing!! I am so chuffed to you guys, it's going to be stunning.

    ps What does "fossicking" mean? Is is an aussie word? xx

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  35. So, so happy for you all and can't wait to follow along as everything unfolds over the coming years xx

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  36. Congratulations, both on your application approval, and forever now being known as 'his wife Daniel' ;-) Looking forward to seeing the journey unfold.

    Cheers, Col

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