Media statement
Attribute to Monash Mayor, Cr Paul Klisaris
The revised permit conditions will deliver improved outcomes for businesses and residents. Finding the right mix for everyone as part of the planning process is important, and I thank both neighbouring businesses and the Derrimut Gym for their participation in a recent conference to find this outcome.
Information for background or inclusion, not for attribution
The Permit issued for the proposed gymnasium on 13 December 2022 allowed a maximum of 180 patrons to be on the site at any one time.
The amended application, lodged in April 2024 sought the following patron numbers:
- Maximum 350 patrons between 7am and 6pm on weekdays
- Maximum 410 patrons between 6pm and 7pm on weekdays
- Maximum 470 patrons between 7pm and 7am on weekdays
- Maximum 470 patrons on weekends
This application also sought the utilisation of car parking at 1887-1889 Dandenong Road, Oakleigh (on the north-west corner of Dandenong Road and Clayton Road).
An interim order allowing the gym to continue to operate with an increased number of patrons was issued at the direction of VCAT, allowing the following until a decision was to be made on the amended application:
- Not allow any more than 295 patrons to be present within the gym at any one time on weekdays between 7am and 6pm.
- Not allow any more than 365 patrons to be present within the gym at any one time on weekdays from 6pm to 7pm.
- Not allow any more than 440 patrons to be present within the gym at any one time on weekdays from 7pm-7am and on weekends.
Two compulsory conferences (mediations) occurred on 6 March 2025 and 29 April 2025. The matter was resolved at the compulsory conference and VCAT issued a direction for an amended permit to be issued.
The revised permitted patron numbers are as follows:
- Maximum 260 patrons between 7am to 5:59pm on weekdays
- Maximum 350 patrons between 6pm and 6:59pm on weekdays
- Maximum 400 patrons between 7pm and 6:59am weekdays
- Maximum 370 patrons between 7am to 5:59pm on weekends and public holidays
- Maximum 400 patrons between 6pm and 6:59am on weekends and public holidays
The consent also included a number of conditions to be included on the Permit, including:
- Deletion of the utilisation of car parking at 1887-1889 Dandenong Road, Oakleigh East;
- The requirement for the endorsement of a traffic and patron management plan, waste management plan and litter management plan (including litter bins located within common property, improved waste storage area, inclusion of a sharps bin within the facility and daily patrol by a member of the gym to collect litter);
- Additional signage to assist with identifying designated car spaces for customers and staff;
- Automation of patron counts to be implemented within 12 months (noting that manual counts are currently utilised); and
- Requirements to vary patron numbers should shared parking spaces with other businesses become unavailable in the future.
To: The Age
