Coles Supermarket in Drysdale gets the go ahead but what about the traffic?

The Geelong Council on 10 February 2015 passed the an Amendment C297 which rezoned the vacant land at 32 Murradoc Road, Drysdale, from the Commercial 2 Zone to the Commercial 1 Zone.

This Amendment was also combined with a planning permit to construct a full-line Coles supermarket at 24-26, 28-30 and 32 Murradoc Road, Drysdale.

The Council received 20 submissions, 16 in support or not objecting and 4 opposing the Amendment. The contentious issue was whether there was sufficient economic and policy justification for another supermarket in Drysdale at this time and consequential impacts to local traders and the Jetty Road developers.

Council referred the submissions to an Independent Planning Panel appointed by the Minister for Planning. The Panel Hearing was held in November 2014. The Panel concluded that the proposal was strongly supported by State and Local Planning Policy, was strategically justified and warranted, and would strengthen the role and function of the Drysdale Town Centre. The Panel was satisfied that the existing road network would adequately cope with the traffic generated by the new supermarket.

The minutes of the meeting are on the City of Greater Geelong Website.

From my perspective, the old house is gone and the site has been cleared - that is a good thing.  The trees apparently will be kept - also good.  However, it remains to be seen whether Murradoc Road can cope with an increase in the number of cars accessing the new supermarket. Its bad enough now on Wednesday and Saturday mornings when Aldi has their specials days.  The combination of the roundabout, and traffic lights and schools drop off and pick up times creates a huge traffic jam both in the morning and afternoon.

I have also noticed an increase in cars accessing Clarendon Road generating more corrugations and dust - many people are now using this as a way to bypass the town centre.  This will only get worse until the bypass is built and that wont be tomorrow.

So Coles - great for competition between Aldi and Woolworths but we no longer have a green grocer. It will be interesting to see how the existing retail outlets perform once Coles becomes operational.

Drysdale gets a new service station - where is the consultation?

City of Greater Geelong is considering a a permit to have a new Milemaker service station located at the Jetty/Grubb Road roundabout in Drysdale.

The first I heard about it was reading it in the Bellarine Times 6th February edition on Saturday. The closing date for submissions was the 7th February - the day before. Trying to find information about this on the Geelong Council website proved fruitless. Or maybe I was looking in the wrong place?

Below I have included a list of articles I found online about the proposal - including a map from the Drysdale Clifton Springs Community Association which I have linked to below.

I have posted on the Geelong Mayor - Darryn Lyon's Facebook page tonight asking him to investigate the proposal. He has undertaken to get back to me tomorrow.

Servo bid reveals lights 'plan'

By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN, The Bellarine Independent, 6 February 2014

AN APPLICATION for a third Drysdale service station indicates Vicroads proposes to replace the town's congested Jetty-Grubb-Portarlington roads roundabout with traffic lights. But Vicroads said it was only investigating and had no plans to upgrade the intersection. A Caltex service station with six double car fuel pumps and

Association puts servo permit under the pump

The Bellarine Times, James Taylor February 6, 2014

The City of Greater Geelong (COGG) is seeking feedback on a plan to build another service station in Drysdale, but the Drysdale and Clifton Springs Community Association has challenged the council's handling of the application process and the proposal's explanation of how it complies with planning laws.

Milemaker Petroleum has applied for a permit to build a service station at 331 Jetty Road, Drysdale, on the wedge of land between Jetty Road to the west and Geelong-Portarlington Road to the east.

The site – which is just over 2,996 square metres in size – will include a car refuelling area with six double-sided pumps, a truck refuelling area with two pumps, a 400-square-metre service station building and seven car parks.

Community Group Says a Firm "no"

by Stephanie Drysdale & Clifton Springs Voice, February 2014.

"The Drysdale and Clifton Springs Community Association is objecting to a proposed industrial scale project. A six double-pump service station has been proposed on the land running between the southern ends of Jetty Road and Portarlington Rd in Drysdale.

The application made to the City of Greater Geelong by Caltex franchisee Milkemaker Petroleum has the community group up in arms, believing the application has been made inept for public comment as well as transgressing and contradicting many planning policies..."

Council restricts public comment on proposed new service station in Drysdale

Drysdale Clifton Springs Community Association, Wednesday, January 29, 2014.

Caltex franchisee Milemaker Petroleum has applied to the City of Greater Geelong (CoGG) to build a service station with 6 double-pumps on the land between the southern ends of Jetty Road and Portarlington Road.

CoGG has invited public comments on the proposal during the period 21 January to 7 February 2014. A plan of the proposal is shown above. The red triangle shows the property affected; the blue arrow on the right points to the location of the proposed service station; and the proposal includes plans for a road connecting Jetty Road and Portarlington Road across the property, but this isn't shown.Details of the proposal are allegedly available from CoGG's web site, but today, at least, they weren't! ..."

McHarry’s Buslines wants to build a depot in Murradoc Road Drysdale

McHarry's Buses wants to build a depot for its buses in Drysdale and turn a beautiful park like setting into a bitumen heat sink.

To make this happen,  the Geelong Council is running a Public Exhibition of the Drysdale Urban Design Framework Amendment C283.

The amendment is open for comment from anyone who wants to from 17 January 2014 to 24 February 2014.

The land affected by the amendment applies to all land in and around the Drysdale town centre within the Drysdale Urban Design Framework study area.

The land affected by this particular application is 97 – 105 Murradoc Road, Drysdale and McHarrys Buslines has applied for the permit.

The Amendment proposes to make changes to the Municipal Strategic Statement and apply new zones and overlays in accordance with recommendations of the Drysdale Urban Design Framework. 

The application is for a permit for buildings and works and new road access in association with a bus depot.

Currently this block has a house on an open park like environment with lots of trees.

It is proposed to keep the existing house, but around 75% of the grounds will be either put under bitumen or paving. The amount of fumes, maintenance noise, heat reflection which will be generated will affect the residents either side of this eyesore, not to mention the number of large vehicles going to this depot and in and out of the entrance will increase heavy vehicle traffic on Murradoc Road.

This will compound the existing traffic making its way to the council tip. Something all of us in Murradoc Road are really looking forward to.

Below is a plan showing what McHarry's proposes to do with this site.

More information about the proposed amendment is available from the City of Greater Geelong website. And they call this progress.

Geelong Council want you to have your say on the Environment

The Geelong Council is running an online survey for residents to have their say on the Geelong region's environment.

The survey runs from 19 October 2012 to 16 November 2012.

The Council are developing a new plan to help guide them in making future decisions about our environment.

They are asking:

• What is important to you about our local environment
• What concerns you have, and
• Your ideas for action
• Your ideas will help us develop the next Environment Management Strategy

My ten cents worth:

• Retain our rural spaces, 
• Put in bicycle paths, 
• Contain town development, and 
• Get a new tip to take the pressure off  Drysdale so that we don't have all these trucks going past our front doors.

Fill in the survey at: Have Your Say on Geelong’s Environment

Geelong City Council Elections 2012 Candidate Statements for Cheetham and Coriyule Wards

The Victorian Electoral Commission has published the candidate statements for each person standing in the City of Greater Geelong election this month.

Cheetham Ward (1 vacancy)

BRACKLEY, Anne Elizabeth

Walking and visiting every street and road in Cheetham Ward adds to my lifetime of knowledge of the Bellarine. Growing up on a Bellarine farm and transport depot, travelling to work in Melbourne, being a partner in a small business and Coordinator of SpringDale Neighbourhood Centre has given me a wide range of lifestyle experiences. Serving the local community as Convenor of the Bunyip Festival, Guide Leader, President and Treasurer of many organisations including School Council President Bellarine Secondary College continues to be rewarding. School Council President Nelson Park School, Treasurer Barwon Network of Neighbourhood Centres and member of the Future Proofing Geelong Small to Medium Enterprise Reference Group has enabled me to serve the wider community. As Councillor I will fairly represent and advocate for the residents, businesses, rural areas and towns of Cheetham Ward and strive for a fair share for our part of the beautiful Bellarine.

Candidate's Indication of Preferences:
1 BRACKLEY, Anne Elizabeth
2 MACDONALD, Rod

MACDONALD, Rod

Vote 1 Rod Macdonald. Your support is needed to continue the progress achieved over the past four years. In consultation with our community, I have worked hard to deliver a range of important community projects including the new Allanvale kindergarten, Drysdale library upgrade, oval lighting at Memorial Park, netball court and lights at Drysdale Reserve and significant improvements to the Bellarine Rail Trail. The Leopold Community Hub is in design phase. A master plan for the sub-regional sporting precinct in Anderson Road is approved and stage1 design is complete. I will continue to advocate for economic development opportunities. Land has been identified in both Drysdale and Leopold to facilitate new businesses and planning for a sub-regional shopping centre in Leopold is well advanced. I also undertake to continue my strong support for local community organisations, sporting and service clubs and be available to assist residents with council matters.

Candidate's Indication of Preferences:
2 BRACKLEY, Anne Elizabeth
1 MACDONALD, Rod

Coryule Ward (1 vacancy)

ELLIS, Lindsay

Lindsay John Ellis. Age 63. Wife Vickie. One daughter. Four grandchildren. Family ties to the Bellarine Peninsula since 1857. Resident of Portarlington 40 years. Proprietor Hogan Print, publisher of The Port Report. Member of Portarlington Business Development Association, PCA, FootballNetball Club. Sponsor of Portarlington and St.Leonards Bowls Clubs. Chairman Australia Day Committee Portarlington. As a local I am fully aware of the needs and aspirations of individuals and community groups in Coryule Ward. I offer strong, independent representation for ratepayers, and can guarantee ready and regular communication in all matters concerning the COGG. I firmly believe in fair and balanced distribution of COGG finances amongst all wards. I am a local who strongly believes in our community. Ratepayers of Coryule Ward deserve a fair, equitable and robust voice to ensure delivery of services, with accountability, from the COGG. If elected I guarantee to serve our community honestly and faithfully.

Candidate's Indication of Preferences:
1 ELLIS, Lindsay
2 O'CONNOR, Tom
3 KENNEDY, Dean
5 HAYES, Monica
4 BALDACCHINO, Judith

O'CONNOR, Tom

From starting my working life as a Quantity Surveyor, I went on to start my own businesses in Geelong specialising in vitreous enamelling, screen printing and cryogenic grinding. I have been actively involved in local sporting clubs including football, surf life saving and the Drysdale pony club. I am a competitive open water swimmer and established the Wreck2Reef Open Water Swim Classic. As an active cyclist, I recognised the need for cyclist safety and helped establish Bike Safe on the Bellarine. As Executive Director, Committee for Bellarine, I promote the Buy Bellarine campaign to support our local producers. I am passionate about the north Bellarine. It must remain an environmentally safe and sustainable place to live and visit. We must keep and grow our primary and commercial industries or risk losing them along with local employment. We must determine our own growth and development.

Candidate's Indication of Preferences:
2 ELLIS, Lindsay
1 O'CONNOR, Tom
3 KENNEDY, Dean
4 HAYES, Monica
5 BALDACCHINO, Judith

KENNEDY, Dean

I'm asking for your vote to ensure we have a strong voice on the new council. For too long there has been a perception that our council is Geelong-centric and ignores the plight of the northern Bellarine. We need a local councillor who is passionate about the Bellarine, has a fresh, strong voice and is prepared to stand up and make sure we are no longer ignored. To me, a councillor's role is all about serving the community, giving us a voice and getting our fair share of funding. I'm proud to say I live and work locally, so I'll be accessible as your local councillor. I want to ensure our new council makes decisions based on common sense, a fair go and has the vision to make the northern Bellarine and Geelong region a fantastic place to work, live and play. To contact me, call 5259 3828 or email dean@vote1kennedy.com.

Candidate's Indication of Preferences:
2 ELLIS, Lindsay
3 O'CONNOR, Tom
1 KENNEDY, Dean
5 HAYES, Monica
4 BALDACCHINO, Judith

HAYES, Monica

With your support I will take on the urgent challenges facing Coryule Ward. These include upgrading ageing infrastructure, fairer across the board service provision, a balanced approach to development and an equitable spending of rate revenue. Our unique natural resources demand careful planning in the interests of the whole community. Sustainable tourism and development alongside growing local industry and job opportunities need encouragement. Twenty years ago I chose to raise my young family on the beautiful Bellarine, moving from metropolitan Moonee Ponds where I had spent 6 years as an elected councillor at the City of Essendon, including one as Mayor. Always actively involved in the community, I well understand how local government works. My professional qualifications and experience combine clinical psychology with ergonomics. Recent work in multicultural mental health also adds to my communication and policy-making skills. This council election, use your vote to restore the balance.

Candidate's Indication of Preferences:
3 ELLIS, Lindsay
4 O'CONNOR, Tom
5 KENNEDY, Dean
1 HAYES, Monica
2 BALDACCHINO, Judith

BALDACCHINO, Judith

I am focussing on the concerns and activities of local residents. There are several projects already underway to enhance and protect our sensitive environment. These projects, including cliff protection works, revegetation and landscaping on our foreshores need to be sustained, expanded and funded appropriately. As a councillor endorsed by the Australian Greens, I will be working to ensure that these projects are just the beginning of a cohesive program. Many residents are involved in working extensively for the community and environment. I will work to provide support for our generous volunteers and community leaders. Coryule Ward encompasses some of the best fishing spots, artists and community arts and craftspeople, family friendly beaches and parks, wineries and restaurants, shops and businesses. I will be working to conserve both the natural environment and our vibrant community. I will be ensuring that all residents have access to participating in further projects.

Candidate's Indication of Preferences:
3 ELLIS, Lindsay
4 O'CONNOR, Tom
5 KENNEDY, Dean
2 HAYES, Monica
1 BALDACCHINO, Judith

Who is standing in the Council Elections for Drysdale

The townships of Drysdale and Clifton Springs are split into two wards.

The following info has been extracted from the Victorian Electoral Commission. Candidate statements will be published on the VEC website the week commencing Tuesday, 2 October 2012.

Cheetham (includes Leopold and Drysdale)

BRACKLEY, Anne Elizabeth	Anne Elizabeth Brackley Business Hours: (03) 5253 1960 Mobile: 0407 529 205 AnneBrackley@gmail.com
MACDONALD, Rod	Rod Macdonald Mobile: 0488 509 994 council@rodmacdonald.com.au

Coriyule (includes parts of  Drysdale and Clifton Springs, Portarlington, Indented Head)

ELLIS, Lindsay	Lindsay Ellis Business Hours: (03) 5259 2984 Mobile: 0438 535 164 lindsay@portarlingtonoz.com
O'CONNOR, Tom	Tom O'Connor Mobile: 0458 293 695 tom.oconnor@mail.com
KENNEDY, Dean	Dean Kennedy Business Hours: (03) 5259 3828 dean@vote1kennedy.com
HAYES, Monica	Jenny Wills Business Hours: (03) 5259 2032 jenwills@vtown.com.au
BALDACCHINO, Judith	Judith Maria Baldaccino Mobile: 0407 518 243 judithmbaldacchino@gmail.com

Ballot packs are to be mailed to all enrolled voters from October 9-11 with postal voting to close on October 26.

Geelong Council Reviewing Plans for Drysdale boundary changes

The Geelong Advertiser today (25 July 2012) in an article entitled: "Line in sand drawn on boundaries", by Peter Begg, reports that:

"City Hall plans for a possible realignment of the boundaries between Drysdale, Clifton Springs and Curlewis are headed back to the drawing board after residents' concerns.

Ward councillor Rod Macdonald said concerns were raised at a public meeting two weeks ago about an area that would have switched from Drysdale to Clifton Springs...

In the area in question, part of Drysdale north of Wyndham St between Jetty Rd and Barrands Land, was to have become Clifton Springs. but residents wanted to remain part of Drysdale...

The State Registrar of Geographic Names called on the council to proceed with a boundary realignment between Drysdale and Clifton Springs, west of the Geelong-Portarlington Road.

The council has told the State Registrar that any changes to boundaries should account for significant urban growth in the localities and advised that a realignment should include a review of the boundaries between
Curlewis, Clifton Springs and Drysdale...

The council has emphasised throughout the process that no decisions will be made on the proposed realignment until investigations and thorough community engagement have been completed."

The complete articles is available in today's print edition on page 17.

Geelong Council consulting on sealing Newcombe Street Drysdale

The City of Greater Geelong has received enquiries about sealing the road in Newcombe Street, Drysdale, between Princess Street and The Glen. The consultation will run from 7 June 2012 to 7 July 2012

"The construction of a sealed road provides an opportunity to review and address many issues residents have with current condition and operation of the street.

For new sealed road construction, it is Council policy to fund the works via a special charge scheme whereby property owners meet the cost of the construction work.

Future maintenance costs are provided by municipal rates revenue and not individual streets or property owners.

Having received advice that there is general support from property owners for the construction and sealing of Newcombe Street, from Princess Street to The Glen, the City has decided to engage with all property owners in Newcombe Street regarding street construction.

The survey has been broken into two independent sections as part of this consultation: Newcombe St - Princess St to The Glen Newcombe St - The Glen to Road End..."

More information is available from the Geelong Council. This is an opportunity for you to have your say.

Drysdale Urban Design Framework - find out more

Geelong Council is running the Drysdale Urban Design Framework community information sessions.
This consultation is running from 4 June 2012 to 29 June 2012.

'The City of Greater Geelong has prepared a draft Urban Design Framework (UDF) for the Drysdale Town Centre and is seeking community input into the draft.
The population of Drysdale-Clifton Springs is expected to significantly increase in the coming decades therefore it is important to look at how the centre can be developed and shaped into the future to ensure the town centre remains the focal point for shopping and community activities.
The UDF explores the potential growth of the centre, built form, pedestrian linkages, streetscapes, car parking and traffic matters.
Two informal community information sessions will be held for those wishing to get an overview of the plan and meet with Council officers.."

The sessions are being held at:
Drysdale Senior Citizens Club
2-8 Wyndham Street
Drysdale

Monday 18 June 2012
4.30-6.30pm

and

Saturday 23 June 2012
10am – 12pm

Background Documents are available:

• UDF Final Draft Part 1 (PDF - 6.9 MB)
• UDF Final Draft Part 2 (PDF - 8.9 MB)

Geelong Council wants your feedback on how you keep your dogs and cats

The Geelong Council's Domestic Animal Management Plan Review 2013 - 2016 is open for comment from 2 June 2012 to 22 June 2012

"The City of Greater Geelong is preparing a Domestic Animal Management Plan for 2013 - 2016 in relation to the keeping and management of domestic dogs and cats with the municipality.

As part of this process, we are seeking comments and feedback about the outcomes from the existing Domestic Animal Management Plan 2008 - 2012 and or other issues pertinent to domestic animals that are of an interest. This will inform Council in developing appropriate strategies for future service delivery.

The City has prepared a background paper detailing the current status of domestic animal management within the City, together with the key domestic dog and cat issues within the community.

The City invites pet owners, members of the community and special interest groups to review the background paper and have your say. You can do this by completing our online survey (please follow the link below) before 22 June 2012..."

You can complete the Domestic Animal Management Plan Review online survey.

The back ground paper is available - Domestic Animal Management Plan - Background Paper (PDF - 6.9 MB)

Central Road Drain in Drysdale - Press Articles

Drysdale residents face million-dollar plumbing bill, by Shane Fowles. Geelong Advertiser, March 2nd, 2012. "DRYSDALE residents have lost their bid to avoid paying tens of thousands of dollars for drainage works tied to a proposed new retirement village.

An appeal by two Central Rd landowners has been lost on legal grounds, although Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal vice-president Michael Macnamara had some compassion for their situation. "In a general sense it is difficult not to be very sympathetic to the ratepayers in this case," he said in his finding. "By buying and settling on relatively large allotments in a rural living zone they have opted to turn their backs on the more intensive residential development...

The applicants had to show that the special charge would not provide a special benefit to them, both now and in the future.

Mr Mcnamara said he was "inclined to think" that the benefits of the works, being the installation of connected plumbing, were not worth what the applicants were being charged..."

Waive that Charge or it's 'wave goodbye'! DryClift Days, Thursday, March 8, 2012. "There is growing astonishment at City of Greater Geelong (CoGG) councillors' unanimous decision to compel residents of Drysdale's Central Road area to pay thousands of dollars each for a developer's drain. The councillors' decision was reinforced by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Appeal Tribunal (VCAT), to which residents appealed - and lost. The residents have nowhere else to go. VCAT's decsion can be appealed in the Supreme Court, but this would be an extremely expensive undertaking - specially for this group of people, which includes many retirees on fixed incomes..."

Council down the drain in Drysdale, by Joanna Carson. Bellarine Times, March 6, 2012. "The Drysdale and Clifton Springs Community Association (DCSCA) urges ratepayers to vent their anger at the City of Greater Geelong in the upcoming elections. Ratepayers in the region are angry at the unfairness of massive bills being faced by the Central Road neighbours of a proposed retirement village. They are being told to fund new drainage works needed for the village, and have been hit with charges of between $3,400 and $257,000, depending on the size of their property. The developer will only pay $349,000 of the $1.1 million cost. Two residents of Central Road, both who are pensioners in a Rural Living zone and are facing a $70,000 plus bill, took the council to VCAT but lost their case last week. The retirement village land is zoned residential, unlike land along the drain's path..."

VCAT tells residents, 'Pay for developer's drain'! DryClift Days, Wednesday, February 29, 2012. "The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) has just told residents of the Central Road area of Drysdale that they must pay the cost of a developer's drain...."

Council's 'Special Charge' not cut and dried, DryClift Days, Wednesday, February 8, 2012. "On February 6 2012, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) reserved its judgment on whether the City of Greater Geelong (CoGG) can levy a 'Special Charge' of many thousands of dollars on residents from Central Road, Drysdale..."

Central Road Drain on A Current Affair

Channel 9 on their A Current Affair Program last night ran a segment about the fight Drysdale and Clifton Springs residents are having with Geelong Council over paying for the proposed Retirement Village Developer's drain.

You can view the program entitled: Retirement village rate rise, By ninemsn staff. A Current Affair, Air date: Wednesday, March 7, 2012.

Central Road Drysdale Residents not supported by VCAT

VCAT has handed down their decision on the Central Road retirement village drainage case.

The residents lost. Geelong Council's Special charge has been confirmed. The residents must pay the special charge for drainage.

We put up a valiant fight

The case took a whole day and it was very tiring. The amount of preparation that goes into fighting a case like this is huge.

We had a fair hearing. Our case was heard by Judge MF Macnamara, Vice President. He dismissed both our applications under Section 185 and 185AA of the Local Government Act 1989.

The Judge was sympathetic to our grounds for a hearing. However he said

"... success by an applicant for review requires demonstration that no benefit at all will accrue from the relevant work.  It is not sufficient to demonstrate for instance that the special benefit to accrue does not really justify the size of the rate or charge levied on the ratepayer...

I am inclined to think that viewed from the point of view of either of these ratepayers, the benefit held out by these works is simply not worth what they are being charged.  Nevertheless, that fact in itself, if it be accepted as a fact, is not sufficient to make out the relevant ground.  To the extent that these applications are based on this ground for review the applications must fail."

$77,935 and $73,352 is a lot of money for pensioners to pay.

What makes it worse is that even though Geelong Council has enabled the deferment of this payment, it comes at a cost. Specifically 5% compounding interest for the first five years and then subsequently according to present interest rates at a rate of between 9 - 10% thereafter.

That translates to a huge sum of money if payment is deferred for a reasonable amount of time.

This is payment for a drain these residents will not use in their life time.

The issue however, is that special benefit accrues to the land not to the people resident on the land. The land at some stage will be subdivided but probably not for a long period of time. In the mean time any residential development work that involves, drainage and other infrastructure development that, perceivably the land may benefit from, in the future, even before it has been subdivided, to which Geelong Council is a party to, will result in additional charges to the relevant landholders.

So if you live on a road which is unmade, has little drainage and no footpaths - beware! At some stage in the future, Geelong Council will come knocking on your door with their hands out saying you will pay and you will pay in the thousands for this infrastructure whether you personally want it, whether you will use it, or not. It is not about you, it is about the land, and it is ultimately what this Council wants to do with the land. The fact that you own it and have your own wants and needs and no capacity to pay is immaterial.

Lake Lorne Reserve Drysdale - Approval of Final Masterplan before Geelong Council on 14 February

Geelong Council this Tuesday 14 February 2012 will vote on whether to adopt the Lake Lorne Reserve Masterplan incorporating the various amendments that have been made since it went out for consultation.

Below is an extract from the Geelong Council Agenda (14 February 2012) (in pdf format 12,032 kb) available from the Geelong Council website.

1. LAKE LORNE RESERVE, DRYSDALE- APPROVAL OF FINAL MASTERPLAN
Portfolio: Environment, Sustainability & Climate Change - Cr Doull
Source: City Services/Environment & Natural Resources
General Manager: Gary Van Driel
Index Reference: Subject: Council Reports 2012, Environment Waterways

Summary

• Lake Lorne Reserve is a Crown Land Reserve located on the western edge of the Drysdale township, immediately adjacent to the Drysdale Railway Station and Bellarine Rail Trail. Council acts as the Committee of Management for the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE).
• It is a popular passive reserve for people to walk around and observe the extensive and diverse number of birds, mainly waterfowl, that frequent this waterway. The Geelong Field Naturalists Club (GFNC) recognises this as one of the most significant freshwater wetlands on the Bellarine Peninsula, used by a number of threatened species.
• The Reserve is currently unfenced along Reserve Road and the Geelong- Portarlington Road enabling unlimited access for vehicles and dogs throughout the Reserve.\
• Council received a written request from the Drysdale-Clifton Springs Progress Association to establish a pathway around the lake within this Reserve. There is currently no pathway or infrastructure in the Reserve and the Association expressed a strong desire to improve the connectivity within the Reserve for the local community.
• A Project Working Group was established with key stakeholders and extensive consultation undertaken in the development of a draft Masterplan.
• The key features of the Masterplan involve a new 2.0 metre wide compacted crushed rock pathway, a section of which is to be constructed within the VicTrack land opposite the Drysdale Railway Station; a boardwalk in the north-west corner of the reserve in an area that is inundated when the lake is full; erection of new conservation fencing around the upper water level of the lake and erection of new timber post and rail parking barriers along Reserve Road and a section of the Geelong-Portarlington Road to restrict vehicle access onto the new pathway and into the public reserve.
• Council at its meeting on 25 January 2011 resolved to:

1. Support the public exhibition of the Draft Lake Lorne Reserve Masterplan;

2. Support that the public exhibition involves, but is not limited to sending letters to the property owners opposite the reserve; placing a notice in the Springdale Messenger, The Echo and The Independent; erecting an information board onsite and the Drysdale Customer Service Centre; placing notices and copies of the Draft Masterplan in the Drysdale Railway Station and send copies of the Draft Masterplan to the Project Working Group.

3. Be presented with a final report following the public consultation period and liaison with the Project Working Group

• The public consultation also involved weekly public notices in all the newspapers including the Geelong Advertiser and The Bellarine Times.
• The draft Masterplan was placed on public exhibition from 14 February 2011 to 18th March 2011 and Council received a total of 18 submissions.
• A summary of all the submissions received and recommended actions/responses was prepared and forwarded to the Project Working Group and discussed at a meeting on 11 August 2011. The Project Working Group agreed with the recommended actions/responses as suggested by Council.
• Letters and emails were forwarded to the 18 submitters advising them of the recommended actions/response to the matters raised in their submissions. Council officers also personally liaised with three submitters that live opposite the reserve.
• Subject to some minor amendments, as outlined in this report, it is recommended the Lake Lorne Reserve Masterplan be adopted by Council.

Recommendation

That Council:

1) adopt the Lake Lorne Reserve Masterplan incorporating the various amendments as outlined in this report and within the Summary of Submissions document;

2) send letters to the submitters advising them of Council's adoption of the Masterplan and the changes made to the final document;

3) send letters to the members of the Project Working Group thanking them for their assistance and support in the development of the Masterplan;

4) continue to inform the local community about the implementation of the Masterplan.

We will be able to directly elect our new mayor

On October 27 later this year we will be able to elect our own mayor and they wont be a councillor - Read more from the press release published on the Premier's website:

Direct democracy delivered for Greater Geelong
Thursday, 09 February 2012 From the Minister for Local Government,

The Victorian Coalition Government has delivered on its election pledge to enable the people of Greater Geelong to directly elect their mayor at the 2012 local government elections.

The City of Greater Geelong Amendment Bill 2011 which passed the Upper House of the Victorian Parliament this afternoon provides for the direct election of the mayor by the residents and ratepayers and for the deputy mayor to be elected by the councillors of Greater Geelong.

"Giving the people of Greater Geelong the opportunity to directly elect their mayor is an important step in the evolution of Victoria's second most populous city," says Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell.

"The people of Greater Geelong campaigned for the right to directly elect their mayor and I'm delighted to be delivering yet another Victorian Coalition election promise.

"The final model that was adopted for the City of Greater Geelong Amendment Bill 2011 was based on extensive consultation with the people of Greater Geelong.

"Our comprehensive consultation process found there was overwhelming support for the direct election of the mayor whereas people were more ambiguous about the direct election of the deputy mayor.

As a consequence it was decided to retain the current system whereby the deputy mayor is elected by their fellow councillors on a rotating basis," Mrs Powell said.

The 12 individual wards for Greater Geelong will also be retained for this year's local government elections on October 27, which will see the number of councillors, including the mayor, increase to 13. After 2012 the Electoral Commission will conduct an electoral representation review to recommend arrangements to return the number of elected members to 12 – i.e. 11ordinary councillors and the mayor.

The Mayor of Greater Geelong will have additional powers – he or she will be able to appoint councillors to chair special committees of the Council as well as being able to appoint councillors to represent the Council on other bodies. A candidate for mayor is precluded from also running for a position of ward councilor.

"The people of Geelong will have their say on who should be their mayor on October 27th this year and I wish them well," Mrs Powell said.

Welcome to Drysdale - the home of Geelong's Tip

I knew it was going to happen, but now that it is, does not make it any easier to welcome its arrival.

The Geelong Advertiser - has as its front page news today - The Corio Tip is closing - good news for Corio - bad news for Drysdale because....

All the garbage is now coming to the Drysdale Tip:

"From Monday, January 2, 2012, 90 per cent of Geelong's rubbish will end up at the Drysdale landfill on the Bellarine Peninsula.

It means about 30 large semi-trailer sized vehicles will be funneled through central Drysdale en route to the tip each week.

Bellarine MP Lisa Neville said the addition of those heavy vehicles into the local traffic mix might have safety implications.

"These are very busy roads, particularly during peak times," she said..."

This is probably the understatement of the year; these trucks will be coming through the main streets of Drysdale, navigating the roundabout at the pub, down Murradoc Road - past my front door on their way to the tip.

Everyone in the area knows Murradoc Road is a very narrow road. The 2nd of January will also be the anniversary of a cyclist's death outside my front gate. Now the Council wants to put more heavy vehicles on the road. This will make it even more dangerous for cyclists right in the middle of the town's peak holiday season.

And into this mix, welcome to Aldi who is opening for business right opposite the hotel on Murradoc Road. Then of course there is a big vacant block right next door ripe for another big commercial venture. So add this extra traffic with the new supermarket and traffic will increase exponentially.

Then of course trying to get to the schools in the morning and afternoons - there will be no room for anyone to move. Tempers will fray, accidents will happen.

Perhaps, the Geelong Council should consider rerouting these trucks down the Bellarine Highway and up the Portarlington Queenscliffe Road to get to the tip. That would make more sense to me. But then since when were local residents ever consulted.

Where are our local council members - why are they not making noise about this?

Welcome to Drysdale - the home of Geelong's Tip

Section 173 Agreement - Geelong Council for future sewerage in Whitcombes Road Drysdale

The Geelong Council has on its agenda tomorrow night (8 November 2011) (see page 94 of the pdf document) a notice that a 5 lot subdivision in Whitcombes Road will have access to sewerage at the owner's expense when it becomes available. The recommendation is reproduced below:

Recommendation

That the following document be signed and sealed by Council.
1. SECTION 173 AGREEMENT BETWEEN GREATER GEELONG CITY COUNCIL AND LYNETTE MARGARET COX FOR 58-70 WHITCOMBES ROAD, DRYSDALE
Portfolio: Planning – Cr Macdonald
Source: Economic Development, Planning & Tourism
General Manager: Peter Bettess
Property: 58-70 Whitcombes Road, Drysdale
Application No: 1561/2005/B

Officers’ Comments

This Agreement pursuant to Section 173 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 was required by Condition 4 of Planning Permit No. 1561/2005/B issued on 15  September 2011 which allowed a Five (5) Lot Subdivision.

The purpose of the Agreement is to require the future owners of the lots to connect to the reticulated sewerage system when it becomes available to their lots at their expense. The area is currently not connected to the reticulated sewerage system and is reliant on septic systems for wastewater disposal Prior to Statement of Compliance being issued, application must be made to the Registrar of Titles to register the Section 173 Agreement on Title to the land under  ection 181 of the Act.

This Agreement has been peer reviewed by one of Council’s panel solicitors.

Owner’s Obligations


Except with the written consent of Council, the owner covenants and agrees with Council that it will, at its cost, ensure that all lots created upon the Land in accordance with the Planning Permit (and any lots created by a further subdivision of the Land) are connected to a reticulated sewerage system when it becomes available to serve the land.

Council Obligations

Nil.

Drysdale Netball Court upgrade and lighting

Geelong Council has on its agenda for tomorrow night (8 November 2011- page 50) a line item in the City Plan Council Report 2011/12 For Quarter Ending: Sep  2011 on the Drysdale Netball Court upgrade and lighting - Discussions with  stakeholders  have  been  held. Plans  are  to  be  finalised  before  prices are  sought..

Amendment C245 Greater Geelong Planning Scheme being prepared

Geelong Council is providing residents with the opportunity to view the amendment being prepared regarding dwellings over the height of 7.5 meters.

"The amendment seeks to implement the findings of the "Review of Design and Development Overlay 14 - Dwellings over 7.5 meters in height" (November 2010) and proposes to retain a modified DDO14 permanently in areas that have been identified as having access to significant views within the municipality..."

This includes areas within Clifton Springs and Drysdale.

You can inspect the amendment, supporting documents and the explanatory report at Ocean Grove customer service centre (as Drysdale is not open due to renovations) or on the Geelong Council website or on the Department of Planning and Community Development's website.

There will be a public drop in session at the Potato Shed on Thursday 10 November 2011 between 4 and 6pm.

Submissions close Monday 12 December 2011. They must be in writing and sent to The Coordinator, Strategic Implementation Unit, City of Greater Geelong, PO Box 104, Geelong, Vic 3220 or by email to: strategicplanning@geelongcity.vic.gov.au.

Submissions will be made publicly available.

Amendment C230 for the Jetty Road Growth Area Development Contributions Plan on Geelong Council Agenda this Tuesday

The Geelong Council is seeking to Adopt Amendment C230 for the Jetty Road Growth Area Development Contributions Plan. This amendment is being considered at the Council meeting on Tuesday October 25, 2011.
Below is an extract from the Council Agenda 25 October 2011 (pdf format - 23.65mb) which gives a high level summary of the report and recommendation which will be put before Council for voting. The detailed report provided by council can be found in the agenda.

3. C230 JETTY ROAD GROWTH AREA, DEVELOPMENT CONTRIBUTIONS PLAN – ADOPTION OF AMENDMENT

Portfolio: Planning – Cr Macdonald
Source: Economic Development, Planning and Tourism
General Manager: Peter Bettess
Index Reference: Subject: Council Reports 2011
Application No:230 Class: Strategic Implementation

Summary

• This report is for Council to consider the Independent Panel Report on Amendment C230 and seek adoption of the amendment.
• This is a Council initiated amendment and seeks to include the Jetty Road Urban Growth Area Development Contributions Plan (DCP) as an incorporated document in the Planning Scheme and apply a Development Contributions Plan Overlay (DCPO) to Stage 1 of the growth area.
• The amendment also applies a Public Acquisition Overlay (PAO) over private land for a section of the new north-south collector road. The DCP will levy developers to help fund infrastructure for the growth area including: collector roads; signalised intersections; a Rail Trail pedestrian crossing; 2 pedestrian bridges across Griggs Creek; open space along Griggs Creek, foreshore and a hilltop park; a children's and community hub; and a regional community and learning hub in Drysdale.
• The amendment was exhibited between 28 October and 29 November 2010. 8 submissions were received and on 27 April 2011 Council referred the submissions to an Independent Panel appointed by the Minister. The Panel hearing was on 15 June 2011.
• A number of issues were negotiated between the developers and Council during the hearing. The Panel has supported Council's position on all key issues and has recommended adoption of C230 subject to some changes. The Panel recommended Council review two of the intersections.
• The intersection of the new East West Rd, Wyndham Street and Jetty Rd has changed from $880,000 to $1.43M as a result of Council engineering requirements and the developer Eureka preparing a design and tender.
• The North South Rd and Portarlington Rd intersection requires acquisition of more land and this cost has been added to the DCP along with extra constructions costs based on Vic Roads advice and a more detailed design. The cost for this intersection has changed from $1M to $1.5M.
• The total cost of the infrastructure is now $25.4M with $19.3M funded from the DCP. The final DCP levy is $82,348 per hectare plus $900 per dwelling.
• It is recommended that the Amendment be adopted as described in this report.

Recommendation

That Council:
1) Adopt Amendment C230 in the form as outlined in Appendix 3-1 to this report; and
2) Submit the adopted Amendment together with the prescribed information to the Minister for Planning requesting approval.

Update 7 November 2011 - Council adopted / passed the recommendations on 25 October 2011. The minutes are available in pdf format (23mb)