Bellarine Rail Trail Advisory Committee is looking for a Community Representative

The Geelong Council published its City News in the print version of the Independent today (Friday, April 30, 2010). They are seeking expressions of interest from members of the community who wish to join the Bellarine Rail Trail Advisory Committee as a community representative.

Copies of the terms of reference for the Committee are available from the Council's Recreation Development Officer by phone (03) 5272 4968.

Expressions of interest must be in lodged in writing or by email by 5pm Friday 14 May 2010 via:

• Hand delivery to the Recreation and Open Space Department, City of Greater Geelong, 103 Corio Street, Geelong;
• Post to Jake McMinn, Recreation and Open Space Department, City of Greater Geelong, PO Box 104, Geelong, 3220; or
• Email to jmcminn@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

Drysdale tip fees likely to increase

An article in today's Independent entitled "Fee'Hike' to leave tip users down in the dumps" claims that:

"The cost of dumping rubbish at City of Greater Geelong tips is set to rise up to 50 per cent in July under a new environment landfill levy, councillors have warned..."

The landfill levy is set by the Victorian Government and the Geelong Council has warned they will probably have to raise rates as a result.

Bellarine Peninsula Melodaires next public event in Drysdale

On Saturday, May 8 - the Melodaires will perform at the St James Anglican Church in Drysdale to help raise funds for the rennovation of the Church hall.

The group has 10 members, an organist and a drummer.

Their latest show features songs sung by Roy Orbison, Shirley Bassey and other performers from the 1960s and 1970s.

Drysdale Clifton Springs Residents Miss Out on Reading Geelong Council Local News

I read with dismay the City of Greater Geelong Council's bid to silence the Geelong Advertiser and associated editorial, on Saturday 24 April 2010.

In a nutshell, the Council has pulled its City News notices from the Geelong Advertiser because the Council does not like the adverse press coverage they have been receiving.

The Council has moved its adverts to the Independent newspapers including the Geelong News and the Bellarine Peninsula Independent. A radio ad on BayFM Saturday night confirmed this as well as the ads appearing in the Independent last week.

So what does this mean if you want to read the City of Greater Geelong Local News in Drysdale and Clifton Springs?

Answer - you have to get access to the Bellarine Peninsula Independent.

Here are some interesting statistics:

The Independent/Geelong News Readership advertised on BayFM Saturday is 92,000. Its free. In Drysdale it is available from Allpoints and Stockdale and Leggo Real Estate Agents, Drysdale Newsagency (they only get 15 copies) and WiseGuys Men's Hair stylists (and I have not seen it there for some time). It is not home delivered to a majority of residents (as far as I can tell).

The Geelong Advertiser (the Addy) claims to reach 75% of the Geelong population:

"The breakdown of the Geelong Advertiser’s circulation is diverse. It has a large urban population base, with strong regional circulation throughout Western Victoria, and the ever-growing coastal communities of the Surf Coast and Bellarine Peninsula. Reaching more than 75% of all people in Geelong, the Geelong Advertiser is clearly the premier media for choice for the latest in local and global news, sport and entertainment."

The Addy costs $1.70 on a Saturday. It is available for purchase from Milkbars, Supermarkets, Newsagents, and can be home delivered.

I can never get the Independent, I rely on the second hand copy I get from my mother (she has to be quick to get it from the local real estate agent first thing Friday morning) - and I have to be quick to get it from her before it has made it into the recycling bin.

Many people I know don't read the local papers, but they do read the Geelong Addy.

The Geelong Council has a legal requirement to consult with its constituents and advertise those consultations. The Guide to Local Government states:

"Councils regularly conduct consultation with their communities and with people that are concerned with matters being considered by the council. This includes some forms of consultation that councils are required to undertake, by law, as well as forms of consultation that councils undertake because they want to make good decisions that take account of community interests.

Statutory consultation:

There are many decisions and activities of councils that by law can only be done after the council has conducted public consultation. Among other things, this includes decisions about the following matters:

• Setting councillor and mayoral allowances
• Adopting a council plan
• Making a local law
• Changing the council’s system of land valuations for council rates
• Adopting a budget
• Declaring a special rate or a special charge
• Selling, exchanging or leasing land
• Entering into a regional library agreement
• Deviating or discontinuing a road

The consultation required by law for these matters must include the following:

• The council must publish a public notice (in a local or daily newspaper, and on the council‘s internet website) that identifies the proposal and tells people that they have the right to make a written submission to the council...."

The Council by publishing its notices in the Independent, seems to think they have met the requirement of displaying notices in the local paper. Yes the Independent is a local paper and as previously stated it claims to have a circulation of 92,000 in the greater Geelong area. However, unless you are prepared to collect a copy from one of the four designated spots in the Drysdale Clifton Springs area, you don't get to read the Council notices.

The City of Greater Geelong has a population of 197,509 - as declared in the 2006 Census.

The population of Drysdale in the same census is 3,741 and Clifton Springs 7,054. The combined population for this area is 10,795.

I would suggest the population has grown since then.

The number of copies of the Independent available for collection from the bulk drop off points in the Drysdale Clifton Springs area would be in the vicinity of a few hundred - maybe? I do not know how many copies are home delivered - I can't find anyone who gets one. I know of someone who used to get it home delivered, but that does not happen anymore.

One could assume then, the bulk of the population within our local area is being deprived of reading the City of Greater Geelong local news - I would be happy to know this is not the case.

The pressure is on across the globe and also here in Australia for government to be more open and transparent. If local government is to become open and transparent, then they have to be able to take the heat when their constituents take issue with the way they spend ratepayer's money and the special charges they make for public works.

Questions need to be asked whether by moving its advertising to the Independent, the Geelong Council will reach most of its target population? I would suggest they will not.

What do you think?

Bellarine Police Community Support Register

The Community Support Register has been developed by the Bellarine Police to collect voluntarily provided personal information for senior residents on the bellarine Peninsula in need of community support.

This is a free service, with approximately 1800 Bellarine Peninsula residents on the register.

The Register provides police with information such as next of kin, medical information, pets and access to house keys.

To obtain a registration form, please contact the Community Support Register on (03) 5255 3968, Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 12 noon.

Geelong Council agenda available for 27 April 2010 meeting - planning items for Drysdale Clifton Springs

The Geelong Council agenda has been published for 27 April 2010.
Items of mentioning Drysdale or Clifton Springs include a document entitled "Review of Land Use Planning Directions Outside the Armstrong Creek Growth Boundary": specific mention was made of Drysdale and Clifton Springs -

"Limit rural living to existing zoned land in the existing nodes at Lara, Drysdale/Clifton Springs, Wallington, Lovely Banks and Batesford."

"VCAT have made rulings on a number of applications for dwellings and subdivision in the Rural/Farming zone in the Geelong municipality. These include:
VCAT Reference: p2146/2006, Permit No: 520/2006, Address: 332-400 Murradoc Road, Drysdale
Proposal: Three lot subdivision, Decision: Council refusal upheld"

"Planning Delegations - March 2010 ... At its meeting on 13 March 2007 Council established a Planning Committee and a Development Hearings Panel with delegated powers to determine upon any development applications which have been the subject of an objection or in circumstances where officers have recommended refusal of the application. At its meeting on 23 September 2008 Council adopted a recommendation to allow Officers (restricted to Manager, Coordinator and Team Leader level) the ability to
consider and approve applications with five or less objections. "

The appendix to this report contains a schedule of all applications determined under these delegations.

The monthly decision report included an item from Drysdale:

1255/2009 - 270 Princess Street, Drysdale - Two (2) Lot Subdivision 5/03/2010 - Refusal to Grant a Planning Permit Development Hearings Panel.

More information is available from the  27 April 2010 agenda - which is in pdf format.

Geelong Show Jumping Club Freshman Training day tomorrow - 24 April

The Geelong Show Jumping Club is hosting a Freshman Training Day tomorrow - 24 April at the sand arena, Lake Lorne Reserve in Drysdale.

Commencing at 10 am for 45cm - no ribbons will be awarded. A $3 horse facilities fee applies - freshman rounds cost $4 per round.

More information is available from Geelong Show Jumping Club Training Day.

Spray Farm sold for for more than $7m

The Geelong Advertiser reports (April 19, 2010) that Spray Farm sold for more than $7million to a Melbourne buyer.

The property will be reestablished as a home. The vineyard will still be run by Scotchman's Hill.

More information from: Spray Farm under hammer for $7m.

Clifton Springs Garden Club excursion

The Clifton Springs Garden Club are having a bus trip to the William Ricketts Sanctuary and Cloudehill Gardens at Mt Dandenong on Tuesday April 20.

The cost is $25 and its BYO lunch.

Leaving Drysdale at 8am sharp

Contact Lorraine for more information on (03) 5251 1660.

Christian College Drysdale Campus Open Day

Enrolments are being accepted now for 2011 and 2012. The Bellarine Campus which caters for Prep through to Year 9 students, is having an open day for Future Prep classes on Thursday 6 May 2010 from 9.15am to 11am. Contact phone number is 5253 2998.

Outside of this time, families are invited to arrange a personal tour at your convenience.

More information is available from Christian College Geelong.

More on Aldi Supermarket in Drysale

An article by Kim Waters from the Independent (15 April 2010) reports that:

"Revised plans for an ALDI supermarket at Drysdale have won council backing... ALDI’s major competition at Drysdale, Safeway, was confident it could compete with the German brand.  ... A Drysdale Clifton Springs Community Association spokesperson expected ALDI to worsen traffic problems in the area..."

More at ALDI wins green light at Drysdale.

Drysdale gets girls footy team

The Geelong Advertiser (15 April 2010) reports that Drysdale is fielding a girls football team in the Geelong Youth Girls Competition. The competition is open to girls aged between 13 and 17. If you are interested please contact John Edsall on 0418 542 233.

More information is available from: More girls ready to chase leather.

Update on Rezoning Drysdale Clifton Springs

Patrick Hughes has provided an update on the Planning Panel appointed to review the City of Greater Geelong's proposal to re-zone parts of Drysdale & Clifton Springs.

More information at Re-zoning Drysdale & Clifton Springs (2)

DCSCA formal submission to Geelong Council for Developer's draims

The DSCA has made a formal submission to the City of Greater Geelong's Special Charge for drainage works in the area bounded by Jetty Road, Thomas Street, Ada Street and Central Road.

In summary, DCSCA is arguing that the 'Special Charge' shouldn't be levied for six reasons:

1. The proposal to levy a 'Special Charge' includes no evidence that the proposed drain will be fit for purpose.

2. The timing of public consultation around the proposed 'Special Charge' has excluded many local voices.

3. The public consultation around the proposed 'Special Charge' has been conducted inappropriately.

4. The proposed 'Special Charge' would threaten the financial security and well-being of local landowners.

5. The Council has provided no evidence that the local infrastructure will accommodate the proposed developments in Central Road.

6. The proposed 'Special Charge' contradicts CoGG's Structure Plan for Drysdale & Clifton Springs.

More information is available from A 'Special Charge' for developer's drains: DCSCA submission.

Clifton Springs Primary School Profiled

The Bellarine Times (April 13, 2010 page 14) this week has a half page profile on Clifton Springs Primary School. The school is inviting parents of 2011 prospective Prep students to have a look at the opportunities the school can offer them.

Their motto is "Innovate, Engage, Excel". Located at 80-118 Jetty Road, Clifton Springs, you can phone the principal Brent Richards on 5251 3581 to organise a school tour.

St Ignatius College Open Day - Wednesday 21 April 2010

See the College at work from 9am to 12 noon.

Year 7, 9 and 11 academic scholarship applications close Friday 30 April 2010. The closing date for Year 7 enrolmens 2011 is Friday Mayh 14, 2010.

More information about the open day is available.

Do Bellarine Residents want their own council?

An article in this week's Bellarine Times by Alison Martin follows on from Peter Cowden's letter to the editor suggesting the Bellarine Peninsula should have its own council separate from the City of Greater Geelong.

The author canvasses opinions from Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville, and Liberal candidate for Bellarine Kurt Reiter.

Read the full article "Bring back Bellarine" at the Bellarine Times, April 13, 2010 on page 5.

Drysdale Gets New Headspace Site

Headspace youth support service is opening a new site near the Potato Shed in Drysdale to help young people and their families with counselling services, health and well being issues and access to GPs and specialists.

More information is available from the Bellarine Times, article in the April 13, 2010 issue on page 3.

Geelong Council supports Aldi Supermarket for Drysdale

The City of Greater Geelong has " voted to support the construction of Aldi stores in Drysdale and Highton, but not on the controversial Geelong West site" reports the Geelong Advertiser today.

"The Aldi proposal will now go to a government advisory committee for a decision on the future of the stores."

Read more at Geelong needs discount factory outlet, says councillor.

Drysdale Aldi on Geelong Council meeting agenda for 13 April

The follow is extracted from the City of Greater Geelong Council Agenda for 13 April 2010:

SUBMISSION TO MINISTERIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON PROPOSED ALDI SUPERMARKETS - C125 GEELONG WEST, C200 HIGHTON & C208 DRYSDALE

Portfolio: Planning – Cr Katos - Source: Economic Development, Planning & Tourism – Strategic Implementation - Act/General Manager: Terry Demeo

Index Reference: Subject: Council Reports 2009 - Project: C125 – Reports Council & Other

Summary

• The purpose of this report is to advise Council with regard to a number of amendment proposals for ALDI supermarkets in Highton, Drysdale and Geelong West, and recommend that Council make a submission to the Advisory Committee appointed by the Minister for Planning supporting these amendments.
• On 22 February 2010, DPCD wrote to Council advising that the Minister for Planning had decided to appoint a separate Advisory Committee, under Section 151 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 to provide advice in relation to the ALDI proposals in Highton, Drysdale and Geelong West. This means that while Council is able to make a submission to the Advisory Committee regarding these proposals, the Advisory Committee will assess the applications and the Minister for Planning will make the decision regarding their approval.
• Amendment C200 is the proposed ALDI supermarket development at South Valley Road, Highton. On 22 September 2009, Council resolved to support the preparation and exhibition of this amendment and planning permit.
• Amendment C208 is the proposed ALDI supermarket development at Murradoc Road, Drysdale. On 13 October 2009 Council resolved to support the preparation and exhibition of this amendment and planning permit.
• Amendment C125 is the proposed ALDI supermarket development at the corner of Shannon Avenue and Albert Street, Geelong West. Council has not previously considered a report on this proposal as the Geelong West site application was submitted directly to the Minister for Planning. See Appendix 4-3 for location of C125 site and existing zoning and Appendix 4-4 for Aerial Image of proposed Geelong West site.
• With regard to amendment C125, Council has recently resolved to apply an interim Heritage Overlay to the site (via Amendment C195), which is part of the Ashby Heritage Review area.
• Given that the Advisory Committee Terms of Reference state that “in relation to the Geelong West site, the Advisory Committee must provide an assessment of the heritage value of the site”, it is recommended that Council provide ‘in principle’ support for the Geelong West proposal, on the understanding that the Advisory Committee will make a thorough assessment of the application against the proposed interim heritage controls.

It is therefore recommended that Council make a submission to the Advisory Committee supporting the amendments, subject to conditions, and that Council request the Committee to assess the Geelong West application (C125) against the proposed heritage controls and the Ashby Heritage Review.

Recommendation:

That Council make a submission to the Advisory Committee on the proposed ALDI developments as follows:

a) support development of the proposed ALDI at Highton (Amendment C200),subject to the comments contained in this report.

b) support development of the proposed ALDI at Drysdale (Amendment C208),subject to the comments contained in this report.

c) support development of the proposed ALDI at Geelong West (Amendment C125), subject to the comments contained in this report, and request that the Advisory Committee assess the application against the proposed interim heritage controls and the Ashby Heritage Review.

Extract from the Report about Aldi in Drysdale:

On 11 August 2009 Urbis, on behalf of ALDI Stores, submitted an application for the rezoning of land at 20-22 and 24-26 Murradoc Road, Drysdale (Amendment C208) and the development of a supermarket. The application proposes to rezone the land from Business 4 Zone to Business 1 Zone and seek planning permit approval for the development of an ALDI supermarket on the site. A permit is also required for alteration of access to a road in a Road Zone Category 1 (Murradoc Road), dispensation of car parking requirements and the display of advertising signage. See Appendix 4-2 for location of C208 site and existing zoning. Council has resolved to support the preparation and exhibition of both Amendment C200, the Highton proposal and C208, the Drysdale proposal...

On 22 February 2010, DPCD wrote to Council advising that the Minister for Planning had decided to appoint a separate Advisory Committee, under Section 151 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 to provide advice in relation to the Highton, Drysdale and West Geelong proposals, in addition to other various Woolworths and ALDI proposals across Melbourne. The purpose of each Advisory Committee is to advise the Minister on the suitability of the sites for their proposed development, including a strategic review of the appropriateness of any rezoning/proposed use in view of the relevant State and Local Planning Policy Frameworks, the appropriate planning controls for any proposed amendment and whether a planning permit should be issued, including suggested permit conditions.

AMENDMENT C208: PROPOSED ALDI SUPERMARKET – DRYSDALE... The ALDI Drysdale proposal is also assessed as an ‘edge-of-centre’ development under the Greater Geelong Retail Strategy, June 2006, hierarchy of preferences for the location of new retail development. Given that the proposal is considered to be consistent with the Drysdale Clifton Springs Structure Plan 2009, on 13 October 2009 Council resolved to support the preparation and exhibition of the amendment and planning permit subject to the authorisation of the Minister for Planning being obtained. Following the Minister for Planning’s decision to appoint an Advisory Committee to provide advice in relation to amendments, ALDI have made a number of changes to the plans it had submitted to Council. These changes include:

• Relocating the ALDI building further to west of the site, onto the adjoining allotment to the west.
• Introducing 3 additional separate retail tenancies (approx 1500sqm in total) in the location of the earlier proposed Aldi footprint, on the east of the site.
• A carpark located centrally between the proposed ALDI and the three retail stores. Car parking also to be located along the Murradoc Rd frontage.
• A revised parking rate of 4.5/100sqm.
• Front setback of buildings has been increased to allow for two rows of parking between the proposed buildings and the road.

Council officers believe that the following issues should also be addressed by the proposed development:

• A pedestrian link to the residential land to the south. Note, this pedestrian link would not have any adverse impact on or require substantive changes to the current proposed layout.
• Provision of noise attenuation for loading bay/s.
• The provision of loading bay/s for the additional retail tenancies.
• A landscape plan which incorporates canopy trees and additional area along site frontage (excluding future road widening area).
• Provision of bicycle parking.

In line with Council’s resolution of 13 October 2009, it is recommended that Council continue to support the proposed amendment and planning permit and that the Council submission to the Advisory Committee reflect this position. It is also recommended that Council’s submission to the Advisory Committee request that the Committee consider Council’s issues as outlined above.

The complete agenda is available in pdf format. (This document requires the use of Adobe Acrobat Reader). You can also convert PDF documents into alternative formats.

Proposed site for Aldi in Murradoc Road, Drysdale.

UPDATE: - Article in the Geelong Advertiser, 12 Apil 2010 - City Hall votes on Aldi proposals.

Drysdale and Clifton Springs Residents "Lives down the drain"

A report on the front page of today's Independent by Kim Waters entitled: "Lives down the drain" reports:

"Charges to cover the cost of drainage works for a proposed retirement home at Clifton Springs could force landowners off their properties, frustrated residents have warned..."

The local councillor, Rod Macdonald, who was elected to represent the residents was quoted as saying:

“It’s a necessary piece of infrastructure that needs to be installed to enable this development to go through and enable development for the rest of the area,” Cr Macdonald said.

The interesting twist to this whole drainage issue is the fact that many property owners are not zoned for high density residential development at this point in time - so they can't make a "financial killing". The long term plan by the Geelong Council is for the entire area to be zoned residential, but until this takes place, residents sitting on their rural blocks are being forced to pay for drainage they can't use or pay for..

Read more at: Lives down the Drain.

Bellarine resident says Bellarine Peninsula needs its own council

An article in today's Geelong Advertiser by Peter Cowden says:

"WITH a State election due later this year, it is time to raise the issue of a separate Bellarine council in lieu of the existing arrangement... For far too long, Bellarine Peninsula ratepayers have been propping up the City of Greater Geelong, helping to pay for some of their much-publicised and very costly poor decision-making, while the Bellarine stagnates..."

Read more at Bellarine needs its own council.

Fire Danger Period no longer in force as of 22 March 2010

The Geelong Council issued a Permit to Burn Application Update on Tuesday, 30 March 2010. Drysdale and Clifton Springs residents can now apply to the council for a Permit to Burn.

From the 22 March 2010 the City's Fire Prevention Officers will be commencing their Fire Prevention Inspections in regard to the issuing of permits to burn.

More information is available from: Permit to Burn Application Update.

Murradoc Road Drysdale listed as no.4 in the top 10 most dangerous roads for cyclists

The Geelong Advertiser (Saturday 3 April 2010. p3) reported the 10 most dangerous roads for cyclists in the Geelong Region in its article: Geelong region's cycling black spots named.

A very narrow road, Drysdale's Murradoc Road was the 4th worst road as far as being dangerous for cyclists to use. The top 10 according to Bike Safe are:

• 13th Beach Rd, Barwon Heads
• Horseshoe Bend Rd, Torquay;
• Mt Duneed Rd;
• Murradoc Rd, Drysdale;
• Portarlington-Queenscliff Rd;
• Blackgate Rd, Torquay;
• Bluestone School Rd, Connewarre;
• Shell Rd, Ocean Grove;
• Moolap Station Rd east of Geelong; and
• Paraparap's Hendy Main Rd.

More information is available from the Geelong Advertiser.

Drysdale Cheese profiled in the Weekly Times

"Kudos for Drysdale Cheese" - Weekly Times, April 2, 2010 profiles Corinne Blacket from Drysdale and her award winning goat cheese.

Drysdale Cheese can be contacted by phone on: 0437 816 374

Geelong Council conducting a "Shared Pathways Survey"

From February 26 to April 5, 2010, the City of Greater Geelong is conducting an online survey about shared pathways in the region. This survey is being conducted to obtain feedback from users to ensure that everyone has maximum enjoyment, feels safe at all times and has equitable access. Shared pathways in our area include the Bellarine Rail Trail and paths around Clifton Springs. 

Please take the time to have your say about our shared pathways - it will only take a few minutes of your time.

Drysdale Ladies Day View Club - Pre-loved clothing sale

The Drysdale Ladies Day View Club are holding a pre-loved quality clothing and accessories sale on Friday, April 9 from 9am - 4pm at 41 Endeavour Drive, Ocean Grove.

A percentage of the sale will to to the Smith Family's Learning for Life program.

Rotary Club of Drysdale - 34th Annual Easter Art Show

Held on Saturday April 3 and 4, The Rotary Club of Drysdale is holding its 34th annual Easter art show with over 400 paintings for sale, including children's art, devonshire teas and produce.

A silent auction will also take place for a painting donated by local artist Richard Jones. The show's best painting will be selected by this year's judge, artist Jill Shalles with a prize of $600 donated by the Bendigo Bank.

Where: Leopold Indoor Neighbourhood Centre (LINC) - corner Bellarine Highway and Kensington Road in Leopold.

When:

• Saturday April 3, 10am - 5pm
• Sunday April 4, 10am - 4pm

Costs:

• Adults $6 including catalogue,
• Children under 12 years of age are free

More information is available from easterartshow.com.au

Should your child attend Kindergarten?

The Geelong Kindergarten Association and Regional Parenting Service are hosting a seminar on "Kindergarten and your child".

Funding is only available for one year of kindergarten. The seminar will cover:

• What kindergarten is all about
• The benefits of the kindergarten year
• What parents need to know
• Choosing the right kindergarten
• Establishing how you will know if your child is ready for kindergarten
• Options for three and four year olds
• What support is available.

There are two sessions available on Monday 19 April from:

• 1-3pm, or
• 7-9pm

Venue: Whittington War Memorial Kindergarten, 17 Townsend road, Whittington. Phone: (03) 5272 4817

Places are limited to 25 places - Registration is essential.

Curlewis Parks Plans now available

The Curlewis Parks plans for stage one release at the corner of Jetty and Coriyule Roads in Drysdale are now available:

• Master plan
• Locality map

Both Curlewis Parks maps are in pdf format - Adobe Acrobat Reader to access them.

For more information: email info@curlewisparks.com.au or Phone: 0425 869 940

Bellarine Peninsula residents in Ocean Grove, Drysdale and Clifton Springs be warned

An article in today's Independent entitled: Residents warned of ‘charges surge’ states:

"Thousands of Bellarine Peninsula residents are unaware they will pay millions of dollars in fees under council user-pays plans, an Ocean Grove resident has warned. John Hughes said council had told him it would “ultimately like to put footpaths everywhere”, potentially costing residents up to $12,000 each.

Drysdale and Clifton Springs households face drainage works levies of between $1000 and $250,000 each.

Residents are extremely angry and frustrated with the City of Greater Geelong. Most residents are not in a financial position to pay the proposed levies now or in the future. I wonder what the Council might try next?

The Echo reports: $80,000 drain shock for Drysdale couple

A Drysdale couple were shocked when they opened the Geelong Advertiser on Saturday morning to find they owed the City of Greater Geelong almost $80,000. More at $80,000 drain shock for Drysdale couple.

Patrick Hughes article "Landowners to pay for developer's drains?"

The City of Greater Geelong has agreed with Melbourne-based Pinnacle Living to share the estimated $1,492,827 cost of a new main drain for a retirement village in Clifton Springs and expects local landowners to pay most of it. More at Landowners to pay for developer's drains?