TWENTY-TWO out of 23 allotments at Hamilton Business Park remain unsold with questions on the future of the empty site being asked by locals living nearby.

Southern Grampians Shire Council (SGSC) opened the site in February 2022 with allotments varying in size from 1800 square metres to 6800sqm to suit an individual business’s needs.

SGSC mayor at the time, Cr Bruach Colliton, said it was a purpose-built estate developed after council identified a lack of investment-ready land opportunities in the shire.

“Council resolved to develop a council-owned land parcel located along the Hamilton-Port Fairy Road into an asset for the future that would not only secure new investment and drive population growth but would positively contribute to growing the economy for years to come,” Cr Colliton said at the time.

“The precinct also forms a critical link for north-south bound traffic to/from the Hamilton Central Activity District and east-west bound traffic to/from Hamilton’s southern industrial, rural activity and residential areas.

“There really are endless possibilities for all industries to call Greater Hamilton home.

“Location is also a key feature of the precinct, situated on the southern gateway to the city of Hamilton with close proximity to the Hamilton Saleyards, access to heavy vehicle routes and industrial trunk infrastructure, which makes the location ideal for investment.”

However, almost two years on, and it appears only one allotment has been sold.

One local resident and ratepayer who asked not to be named asked, “what is going on there?”

“It’s not an attractive look at the moment,” they said.

“There’s temporary fencing - the grass is overgrown and there’s large trenches dug.

“It doesn’t appear to be ready.

“From a resident’s point of view - it was supposed to beautify the entrance to the town - that was one of the claims.

“But it looks pretty rugged - it’s supposed to be an investment in Hamilton - but it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere.”

SGSC infrastructure and sustainability director, Marg Scanlan, said “the blocks are on the market. Council has accepted one offer and has received interest on others. There are some remaining works to be completed by Powercor, as well as some drainage.”