Below is an extract from the City of Greater Geelong's Agenda which will be voted on tonight (12 March 2013) to change the boundary between Drysdale and Clifton Springs known as Area 1.
PROPOSED BOUNDARY REALIGNMENT – DRYSDALE / CLIFTON SPRINGS (WEST OF THE GEELONG – PORTARLINGTON ROAD)
Portfolio: Governance – Cr Fagg, Mayor
Source: Corporate Services – Financial Services
General Manager: Jeff Wall
Index Reference: Subject/Roads, Footpaths & Streets
That Council approves the amended boundary realignment for Area 1 as follows:
To extend the existing Clifton Springs boundary from the rear of the property known as 52 Delungra Avenue in an easterly direction to the south east corner of the property known as 54A Delungra Avenue, then continue the Clifton Springs boundary north to intersect with the existing boundary at the rear of the properties known as 7 Wintersun Court and 12 Waterford Place (refer Appendix A).
Council is responsible for allocating geographic locality boundaries. Council received advice dated 16 February 2012 from the Registrar of Geographic Names requesting that in the interests of public safety Council proceed with a boundary realignment between Drysdale and Clifton Springs, west of the Geelong-Portarlington Road. Principal 3(A) of the Guidelines for Geographic Names 2010 stipulates that locality boundary should align with the cadastral fabric, road centre lines or easily distinguishable topographical features. In accordance with Section 3.2.1 of the guidelines, the Registrar may request Council to amend a locality boundary in the interests of public safety.
The locality boundary between Clifton Springs and Drysdale, west of the Geelong-Portarlington Road, passes through numerous residential properties in Wintersun Court and Narawi Avenue which is creating particular confusion for emergency and communication services. Ambulance Victoria has emphasised the need for correct locality to avoid confusion in an emergency response situation. In this case, the locality boundary does not comply with Principal the Guidelines.
Council resolved on 8 May 2012 to commence a process of investigation and consultation to realign the locality boundaries between Drysdale and Clifton Springs. Following the community consultation process, including public meetings held on 8 and 15 August 2012, it was determined as part of the communities request to amend the Area 1 proposal.
A further report was tabled at the Council meeting of 13 November 2012, with a revised proposal for Area 1 agreed.
This proposal was advertised in the City News section of the Geelong Independent on 23 November 2012 and the Geelong Advertiser on 24 November 2012. Letters were sent to all affected property owners / residents at this time advising them of the amended proposal. No submissions were received against the proposal and two submissions were received in favour of the amended proposal thanking Council for listening to resident concerns.
The above proposal meets the requirements of the Guidelines for Geographic Names 2010.
There are no environmental issues arising from this report.
Council offers a standard assistance package to residents when their property address is altered. This assistance package consists of 10 postage paid envelopes and 10 Change of Address forms. Other assistance may be offered on a case by case basis.
The Geographic Place Names Act 1998, the Guidelines for Geographic Names 2010 and Council Policy have been followed and met.
There is no officer direct or indirect interest in this report.
Council's proposal to realign this boundary will minimise the risk of emergency services not being able to locate properties.
The realignment of this boundary will allow for easier identification to the public and utility services in case of an emergency.
The proposed realignment was advertised in the Geelong Independent newspaper on 23 November 2012 and the Geelong Advertiser newspaper on 24 November 2012.
Letters were also sent to the affected owners in Area 1 advising of the proposed realignment.
Subject to Council and the Registrar of Geographic Names approval, the relevant authorities and affected owners will be notified of the official Registration of the new alignment.
The Geelong Council agenda for Tuesday 13 November 2012 has as agenda item 1 the proposed boundary realignment affecting Drysdale, Clifton Springs and Curlewis. Below is the extract from the agenda. - The complete agenda item is available in pdf format on the City of Greater Geelong's website.
1. PROPOSED BOUNDARY REALIGNMENT - DRYSDALE / CLIFTON SPRINGS & CURLEWIS
Portfolio: Democracy & Governance
Source: Corporate Services - Financial Services
General Manager: Jeff Wall
Index Reference: Subject/Roads, Footpaths & Streets
• Council considered a report on 8 May 2012 regarding a proposed boundaryrealignment of Drysdale, Clifton Springs and Curlewis and noted:
i) The commencement of a process of investigation and consultation to realign the locality boundaries between Drysdale, Clifton Springs and Curlewis.
ii) A further report be presented to Council with recommendations for adoption, following completion of the consultation process.
• Community consultation has occurred via correspondence and two public meetings held on 8 and 15 August 2012.
• In response to community sentiment a compromise position has been investigated for areas 1 and 2 relative to the original proposal.
• The adoption of the amended boundary realignment recommendations will commence the formal process to complete the boundary realignment in accordance with Geographic Naming requirements.
That Council resolves that:
1) Following an extensive process of investigation and consultation that the original proposed boundary realignments be amended whilst complying with Guidelines for Geographic Names 2010.
2) The boundary realignment proposal for area 1 be amended and described as follows:
Area 1 – Drysdale / Clifton Springs
To extend the boundary at the rear of the property known as 52 Delungra Avenue in an easterly direction to the south east corner of 54A Delungra Avenue, then continue the boundary north to intersect with the existing boundary at the rear of the property known as 7 Wintersun Court (Appendix 1-2).
3) Defer Area 2 boundary realignment (Appendix 1-3) on the basis that the proposed boundary was rejected by the majority of residents. Any future boundary realignment would be in response to potential land subdivision and take into account realignment options suggested by residents.
4) The boundary realignment for area 3, whereby the eastern boundary of Curlewis be moved eastward to run south along Jetty Road to intersect with the Geelong-Portarlington Road (Appendix 1-4), be confirmed.
5) The boundary realignment for area 4, whereby the eastern boundary of Curlewis be moved eastward to run south along Grubb Road to intersect with the current Wallington alignment (Appendix 1-4), be confirmed.
6) The boundary realignment process be completed in accordance with Geographic Naming requirements.
Councils are responsible for allocating geographic locality boundaries. On 16 February 2012, Council received advice from the Registrar of Geographic Names requesting that Council proceed with a boundary realignment between Drysdale and Clifton Springs, west of the Geelong–Portarlington Road, in the interests of public safety.
Principal 3(A) of the Guidelines for Geographic Names 2010 stipulates that locality boundary should align with the cadastral fabric, road centre lines or easily distinguishable topographical features. In accordance with Section 3.2.1 of the guidelines, the Registrar may request Council to amend a locality boundary in the interests of public safety. Council must respond within 30 days and action the request within one council meeting of the initial response.
The locality boundary between Clifton Springs and Drysdale, west of the Geelong-Portarlington Road, passes through numerous properties in Wintersun Court and Narawi Avenue which is creating particular confusion for emergency and communication services (Appendix 1-2). It was considered timely to include a review of Curlewis, Clifton Springs and Drysdale boundaries, including Jetty Road and the areas south of the Geelong-Portarlington Road, west of Grubb Road at the same time.
Ambulance Victoria has emphasised the need for correct locality to avoid confusion in an emergency response situation. In this case, the locality boundary does not comply with Principal 3(A) – A locality boundary should align with the cadastral fabric, road centre lines or easily distinguishable topographical features.
The Registrar has been advised that any changes to locality boundaries should take into account significant urban growth within the localities and a realignment of boundaries should include a review of Curlewis, Clifton Springs and Drysdale boundaries.
Council resolved on 8 May 2012 to commence a process of investigation and consultation to realign the locality boundaries between Drysdale, Clifton Springs and Curlewis.
The four proposals the public were invited to comment on are as follows:
Area 1 – the current eastern boundary of Clifton Springs alignment to be extended along Whitcombes Road to intersect with the Geelong–Portarlington Road intersection then continue north easterly along this roadway.
This zone has the highest priority for realignment, given instruction received from the Registrar of Geographic Names.
Area 2 – to extend part of the southern boundary of Clifton Springs, to run south along Jetty Road, east on Wyndham Street, north on Barrands Lane, east on Nash Avenue then north along Clifton Springs Road (Appendix 1-3).
At present, a section of the boundary cuts through several parcels, another section passes through the back of titles and in future may potentially pass through the centre of a proposed retirement village.
Area 3 – the eastern boundary of Curlewis be moved eastward to run south along Jetty Road to intersect with the Geelong-Portarlington Road (Appendix 1-4). The current boundary cuts through several property titles. Additionally, a residential development is occurring west of Jetty Road. Moving the locality boundary to align with the Jetty Road centre line will best represent this growth and comply with the Guidelines for Geographic Names 2010.
Area 4 – the eastern boundary of Curlewis be moved eastward to run south along Grubb Road to intersect with the current Wallington alignment (Appendix 1-4).
Once again, the current boundary cuts through several property titles. Therefore, moving the locality boundary to align with Grubb Road will comply with the Guidelines for Geographic Names 2010 by aligning the boundary to a road and allow for future growth that may occur.
The proposed new alignments comply with Principal 3(A) of the Department of Sustainability and Environment Guidelines for Geographic Names 2010.
During May and June, letters were sent to affected residents inviting feedback and completion of a survey by 26 June on the boundary realignment proposals. Cr Rod Macdonald and Jeff Wall (General Manager – Corporate Services) met with some residents on 28 June to answer specific questions.
In July, local Ministers of Parliament were also notified about the proposed realignment.
Survey responses were collated and two information sessions held at the Potato Shed in Drysdale on 8 and 15 August 2012. These sessions were well attended by the local residents. Councillors Rod Macdonald and Cr John Doull were present. The meeting outlined the boundary realignment proposals for the four areas, explaining why they were recommended, provided a summary of survey results and addressed resident concerns. Public discussion took place with particular focus on areas 1 and 2, including alternatives suggested by residents. Karl Morrison (Geospatial Information Services Officer) and Terry Marshall (Ambulance Victoria, Barwon Group Manager) were also invited to speak at the information sessions and assisted answering questions raised by residents.
The table below summarises survey responses received:
| Area | Invited Comments | Agree with Proposal | Do Not Agree with proposal | No response received |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 210 | 41 | 59 | 110 |
| 2 | 356 | 16 | 255 | 85 |
| 3 | 124 | 36 | 9 | 79 |
| 4 | 12 | 2 | 2 | 8 |
Significant responses were received for areas 1 and 2 suggesting a number of alternative options. A signed petition was also received from affected residents in area 1.
The following summarises resident concerns:
| Area | Resident Concerns |
|---|---|
| 1 |
|
| 2 |
|
| 3 & 4 |
|
Councillors and officers met internally on 10 September to decide the best options, with the following recommendations:
Area 1 – Amend original proposal to read:
"To extend the boundary at the rear of the property known as 52 Delungra Avenue in an easterly direction to the south east corner of 54A Delungra Avenue, then continue the boundary north to intersect with the existing boundary at the rear of the property known as 7 Wintersun Court." Refer Appendix 1-2.
This realignment will remove 167 properties from Drysdale to become Clifton Springs. This represents a compromised position and has been reached as per resident's concerns and petition.
Due to a proposed subdivision to the east of this new boundary line, a risk exists where Delungra Avenue will extend through two suburbs, namely Clifton Springs and Drysdale. This would repeat the current anomaly existing whereby a number of properties in Wintersun Court and Narawi Avenue cross over two suburbs.
Council officers will continue to discuss the proposed plan of subdivision with the property owner to ensure an acceptable outcome. It is essential that if there is no proposed access from Portarlington Road to the subdivision, that access from Delungra Avenue, Clifton Springs continues via a new road name into Drysdale.
This amended proposal enables Council to realign the boundary along the fence-line of the properties as requested by the majority of affected Drysdale residents and is in accordance with residents petition dated 4 August 2012. This amended realignment would meet the Guidelines for Geographic Names 2010.
Area 2 – This proposal caused the most opposition from residents and is rejected as inappropriate. It is recommended not to continue with alternative proposals and to defer this boundary realignment. It is relevant that the proposed subdivision off Central Road for a retirement village has been delayed.
Area 3 – Proceed with proposal to move the eastern boundary of Curlewis eastward to run south along Jetty Road to intersect with the Geelong-Portarlington Road (Appendix 1-4).
Area 4 – proceed with proposal to move the eastern boundary of Curlewis eastward to run south along Grubb Road to intersect with the current Wallington alignment (Appendix 1-4).
There are no environmental issues arising from this report.
Council offers a standard assistance package to residents when their property address is altered. This assistance package consists of 10 postage paid envelopes and 10 change of address forms. Other assistance may be offered on a case by case basis.
These costs will be within operating budget levels.
The Geographic Place Names Act 1998, the Guidelines for Geographic Names 2010 and Council Policy have been followed and met.
There is no officer direct or indirect interest in this report.
Council's proposal to realign these boundaries will minimise the risk of emergency services not being able to locate newly created properties.
The realignment of these boundaries will allow for easy identification to the public and utility services in case of an emergency.
Submissions received will be responded to in accordance with recommendations contained in this report. Council's website will also outline recommendations contained in this report.
The Geelong Advertiser (print edition Thursday 16 August 2012 p. 10) reports that Geelong Council will proceed with the boundary changes affecting Clifton Springs and Drysdale despite significant opposition by affected residents to the proposed change.
"President of the Drysdale Clifton Springs Community Association Doug Carson described the council's proposal as overkill to a problem which could be easily solved.
"They're using a sledge hammer to crack a walnut," he said. "The current boundary runs across a paddock so they should focus on one street; one side should be Clifton Springs and one side Drysdale."
"Cr Mcdonald said the boundaries would change in spite of public objections, although the public meetings allowed residents' concerns to be heard.
"I can understand people concerned about places having a name change but we are still obliged to meet the guidelines and regulations..."
Geelong Council gave affected residents the opportunity to vote by return mail as to whether they were opposed to or supported the change of boundaries. Those that did not vote where taken to have been in support of the boundary changes. However, non participation should never equal a yes vote.
From the meetings held there is significant interest by affected residents who appear to be opposed to the boundary change.
I wonder whether Geelong Council will release the results of the postal vote. How open and transparent will they be with this vote?
It is great that the Council wishes to consult affected residents, but should they not be open and accountable to the process they have instigated. Consulting for the hell of it is worse than not consulting at all. Seems all they have done here is said yes we consulted.
So come on Geelong Council - what are the results of the postal vote you conducted on this issue? Will you listen to the residents or will just steam roll ahead regardless?
Thieves target cards, by Andrea Hamblin. Geelong Advertiser, July 5, 2012. "Cars in Drysdale and Clifton Springs have been targeted by vandals. Residents on Barrands Lane and Mirrabooka Drive reported having their tyres slashed on Friday night, while overnight Monday theives stole hub caps from cars on nearby Central Rd... Senior ConstableJohn Shields of Drysdale Police, said it was likely victims across the Bellarine Peninsula were yet to report similar incidents to police... anyone with information should call Drysdale Police on 5253 1763 or Bellarine Police on 5256 2698..." [From, the print edition]
Forum on future of Bellarine. Geelong Advertiser, July 4th, 2012. "A blueprint for the future development of the Bellarine Peninsula will move a step closer to completion this week. A forum on Friday at the Clifton Springs Golf Club, hosted by the Committee for Bellarine, is the second phase in the drafting of the Bellarine 2050 Masterplan. The plan will detail a wide range of complex social, industrial and administrative challenges associated with the effects of future growth. Committee executive director Tom O'Connor said forecasts of a population explosion on the Bellarine has added urgency to the drafting of a master plan..."
Council crossing the boundary, by Joanna Carson. Bellarine Times, July 3 2012. "There is everything in a name, if the reaction to a proposed boundary realignment in Drysdale and Clifton Springs is any indication. Around 120 people braved a cold winter's night to attend a meeting with local councillor Rod McDonald, who was given the strong message that residents were passionate about remaining in Drysdale. "There does not appear to be any justification for such a drastic move. It just needs a few minor dog legs to fix the problems that are there," resident Peter van Wyk said. "We are mainly upset about the way they (the council) has gone about it. There does not appear to be any justification for such a drastic move. It just needs a few minor dog legs to fix the problems that are there."..."
Sex criminal housed metres from kinder, by Andrea Hamblin. Geelong Advertiser, July 2nd, 2012. "A VIOLENT sex offender was transferred to live in a home just metres from a playground and kindergarten in Clifton Springs. The 27-year-old lived on Country Club Drive from June 3 after completing a jail sentence at Port Phillip prison. It is believed the Department of Human Services moved him nearly three weeks later. The move came after shocked neighbours found out about the man's criminal past. The Geelong Advertiser has confirmed the incident and the man's sex offender status with multiple sources, including Victoria Police, government agencies and local health services..."
Airlift in Drysdale, by Alex Oates. Geelong Advertiser 22 June 2012. "An elderly woman was airlifted to hospital with head injuries last night after an accident in Drysdale..."
Local riders stride into Olympic contention, by Joanna Carson. Bellarine Times, June 21 2012. "... Drysdale-based dressage trainer/coach Mary Hanna also won her selection in the dressage team after recent strong performances in Europe. Aboard her top mount Sancette, who was imported from the United States in 2010, Mrs Hanna has received high scores in recent competition from top international judges. The current Victorian Dressage Team coach, her best Olympic result was in 1996 when she placed 24 out of 42 competitors at the Atlanta Olympic games, riding Mosaic II. She also competed at the Sydney and Athens games, but not in Beijing. Mrs Hanna – who will be competing at her fourth Olympics – and husband Rob run well-regarded warmblood stud Statene Park near Drysdale. Mrs Hanna experienced double tragedy in the 1980s when the original Statene Park at Mt Macedon was destroyed in the Ash Wednesday bushfires, luckily all the horses were saved. Then-husband Gert Donvig, a champion dressage rider from Denmark, was killed in a car crash a few years later. The establishment was eventually moved to a larger landholding on the Bellarine by the Hannas. Rob Hanna, a former top eventer, also has a key Olympic role. He is the current chef d' equip of the Australian eventing team, a position he held when Australia won silver in Beijing. Mrs Hanna's daughter Gitte Donvig, who helps run Statene Park, is also a national level dressage rider..."
Drysdale boundary shift up for discussion, by Ali Deane. Bellarine Times, June 22 2012. "A plan by the City of Greater Geelong to shift the town boundaries of Drysdale, Clifton Springs and Curlewis is gaining momentum after a motion to commence investigations and consultation was carried at the May council meeting. The Registrar of Geographic Names requested that council proceed with boundary realignment between Drysdale and Clifton Springs, west of Geelong-Portarlington Road in the interests of public safety in February; however, it has created discussion as to whether it is actually necessary. Councils are responsible for allocating geographic locality boundaries and, according to councillor Rod Macdonald, the process happens from time to time, as towns grow and housing increases, such as at Mt Duneed and Armstrong Creek earlier in the year..."
Draining for a drier Drysdale, by Ali Deane. Bellarine Times, June 12, 2012. "Amid widespread flooding across the state last week, a new drainage project to commence in August is set to alleviate problems in Drysdale. It is due to be completed by Christmas and will fix periodic flooding that occurs in the Collins Street-Clifton Springs Road area during periods of extreme rainfall..."
Model plan, by Ali Deane. Bellarine Times, June 12, 2012. "The plan for a total overhaul of the Drysdale town centre aims to centralise services and avoid community fragmentation. As the region faces a growth in population and boom in development, the latest plan prepared by the City of Greater Geelong aims to provide an important foundation for the future development of Drysdale. The Drysdale Urban Design Framework began with an Enquiry by Design process earlier in the year that incorporated the views of the state government, Council, key agencies and members of the Drysdale community..."
Seachange leads to champion cheese, By Gail Thomas. Stock and Land, 9 June, 2012. "Despite being city-born, pharmacists Corrine and Peter Blacket always had culinary interests and a fascination with rural pursuits. So in 1990, they decided to pack up their Melbourne base for a seachange. Buying a couple of acres at Drysdale, they had plenty of room and invested in some Cashmere goats, which quickly became pets. "As they grew old and died, they were replaced with milking goats, first a Toggenburg doe, then some Saanen doe kids then some more mature Saanen milkers," Mrs Blacket said..."
Drysdale design draft up for comment, by Ali Deane. Bellarine Times, June 5 2012. "The City of Greater Geelong (COGG) is seeking input from the community on the Urban Design Framework draft masterplan (UDF) that details the proposed Drysdale town centre expansion..."
Residents invited to have their say on Drysdale Urban Design framework. City of Greater Geelong, Media Release, Tuesday, 5 June 2012. "Bellarine Peninsula residents are being invited to have their say on a draft Urban Design Framework (UDF) for the Drysdale Town Centre. Cheetham Ward Councillor Rod Macdonald said the framework was an important foundation for the future development of Drysdale. "The G21 Regional Growth Plan Background Report indicates the Drysdale-Clifton Springs area will see a population growth of approximately 14,000 more people over the next 20-30 years." ..."
| Zone 1 | Zone 2 | Zone 3 | Zone 4 | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Farm | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| Mixed Use | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| General | 140 | 296 | 44 | 7 | 487 |
| Vacant Land | 32 | 17 | 133 | 0 | 182 |
| Total | 173 | 315 | 178 | 10 | 676 |
