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..

Clifton Springs Primary School Annual Drive In - November 18

On Friday, November 18, Clifton Springs Primary School will be holding their annual "drive in" fund raiser.  The film screening is "Zookeeper" at the Primary School.

Movie starts at dusk. Tickets are $25 per car.  Food and drink will be available for purchase.

Tickets are available from the Clifton Springs Primary School Office.

Griggs Creek Bridge will now be built

The bridge over Griggs Creek at the end of Bayshore Avenue will now be built.  Clifton Springs residents lost their case in VCAT last week.

Read more from DryClift Days - Bridge protesters lose at VCAT

Clifton Springs Boat Harbour Dredging

Geelong Council published a public notice in the Echo on Thursday October 2011 advising that the Clifton Springs Boat Harbour entrance and an area next to the main ramp will be dredged over a two week period starting Monday October 24 until Monday November 7.

The boat ramps will be closed during the week preventing access to the bay.

Launching facilities will be available on weekends but there may be restrictions and some delays.

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.

Parents of Infants in Drysdale wanted for Parenting Groups

The Echo newspaper on October 20, 2011 page 3 reports that Glastonbury Community Services is looking for parents of infants between the ages of six and 12 months to take part in its Small Talk parenting groups.

This is part of a research study running across Victoria. Groups will run in Torquay, Drysdale, Grovedale, Whittington and Bell Park.

Please contact Glastonbury for further information - (03) 5222 6911

Discounted microchipping and pet registration for dogs and cats Nov 23 in Drysdale

Geelong Council is offering discounted microchipping in Drysdale for dogs and cats at $15 per animal as well as half price pet registration.

You will need to present yourselves complete with dogs and cats on November 23 at the Springdale Community Centre from 4.30 pm - 7pm to take advantage of this offer.

Griggs Creek / Bayshore Avenue Bridge Issue profiled on Youtube

Dryclift Days posted the other day that the Griggs Creek Bridge protesters had compiled a video on Youtube about the issues surrounding the controversial proposed bridge. I believe there is a VCAT hearing this week.  Below is the video.

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)

Geelong Council proposes new "Policy Special Rates and Charges."

Geelong Council has reviewed its special rates and charges process and will be recommending at its meeting to be held on Tuesday October 25, 2011 the adoption of the Policy Special Rates and Charges.
The policy defines what Council sees as a "Special Benefit" enjoyed by ratepayers who are levied with a special rate or charge for roads, drainage, footpaths, carparks and streetscapes.
Below is an extract from the Council Agenda 25 October 2011 (pdf format - 23.65mb) which includes the special rates policy and guidelines.

17. SPECIAL RATES AND CHARGES - REVIEW AND ADOPTION OF POLICY

Portfolio: Infrastructure - Cr Richards
Source: City Services - Engineering Services
General Manager: Gary Van Driel
Index Reference: Subject: Special Rates and Charges
Council Reports 2011

Summary

• A review of the special rate and charge process has been undertaken.
• A new Special Rates and Charges policy is presented to Council and this supersedes the relevant section of the currently used, Comprehensive Infrastructure Funding Policy.
• Council has in place Management Procedure, Debt Management – Special Rates and Charges, which addresses the issue of financial hardship.
• Part of the review process involved contact with all Councils in Victoria regarding the use of special rates and charges. Approximately two-thirds of Councils utilise the process.
• The special charge process has been particularly useful in facilitating a project forming part of the Geelong Ring Road Employment Precinct (GREP) and another major scheme is currently in the planning stage. It is doubtful whether those projects could proceed without the use of the special charge process.
• There are improvements which can be made in the community consultation phase along with the administration and particularly decision making and timing.
• There is scope within the existing administrative arrangements to evaluate and identify community benefit and apply this to schemes.

Recommendation

That Council adopt the Policy Special Rates and Charges (Appendix 17-1) and the attachment - Contribution Guidelines.

COUNCIL POLICY

1. PURPOSE

To set out the principles for the use of special rates and charges by Council, for the provision of infrastructure or services and their application in a fair, equitable and consistent manner.

2. SCOPE

This policy applies to the provision of "first up" infrastructure where it can be demonstrated that special benefit applies to those properties included in the scheme. The policy also covers the provision of on-going services to properties or a group of properties which also must satisfy the special benefit test.
The special rate and charge process broadly includes the following:

• Community consultation.
• The special benefit test.
• The relevant legislation and precedent.
• Scheme preparation and apportionment.
• Council processes leading to the scheme determination.

3. REFERENCES

• The Local Government Act 1989
• Special Rates and Charges Ministerial Guidelines – September 2004
• Planning and Environment Act 1987
• Various determinations by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal and other Courts.
• Council Policy – "Community Consultation" CPL 10.2
• Council Management Procedure – Debt Management – Special Rates and Charges" MPR510.2.1.1

4. DEFINITIONS

"Special benefit" – is a benefit received by those owners included in the scheme that is over and above that received by others who are not the subject of the scheme.

5. COUNCIL POLICY

This Council has utilised the special rate and charge provision since amalgamation in 1993. Some of the former member Council's also used private street scheme and drainage provisions of the Local Government Act 1958 from a period of around 1960 onwards.
Financial resources available, in most cases do not enable the construction of new infrastructure or if it can be programmed it would be significantly delayed. Council will continue with its special rate and charge program in order to provide new, up-front infrastructure and provide services. In the preparation, administration and execution of special rate and charge schemes, Council shall consider fairness, equity and consistency as fundamental principles.
The initiation of a special rate or charge scheme will generally come from the property owners themselves however there may be instances where for public safety or reasonable amenity, Council may promote a scheme. Council will attempt to provide obvious in-fill infrastructure through the special rate and charge process where applicable.
Drainage systems may be provided via the process and unless otherwise specified will be undertaken on the basis of alleviating public health issues, utilising Section 163B(1) of the Act.
As each special rate or charge scheme is unique, a consultation program shall be tailored to suit specific needs. Council policy CPL 10.2 shall be used as a guide. All property owners shall be given the opportunity to provide feedback to Council and discuss issues with Council Officers.
The preparation of special rate or charge schemes shall be undertaken by experienced Council Officers. The precedent created by reviewing bodies such as the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, Courts and Review Courts shall be taken into consideration when formulating schemes.
In every instance, special benefit to properties and owners, shall be evaluated and schemes will only proceed where this can be established.
The preparation and administration of special rate and charge schemes shall be in accordance with the Act and the Ministerial Guidelines, September 2004. The attachment to this policy "Contribution Guidelines" provides guidance. As schemes are generally unique there is no set method of apportioning costs, however, the Unit Cost method is preferred.
The basic, relevant infrastructure shall be included in a special charge scheme. Any works outside the scope or re-working of existing infrastructure shall be funded by Council.
In providing infrastructure, Council shall apply the standard which is used for other non-scheme projects. References used may be standard drawings, specifications, current practice and the application of reasonable standards and practice. In instances where property owners request a standard of infrastructure over and above the standard referred to above, the full cost attributed to the higher standard shall be funded by the property owners.
Where required, a Submissions Panel Hearing will take place, affording property owners the opportunity to address Councillors in a relatively informal setting. The Panel will formulate their recommendation as quickly as is practicable and this will form the basis for the recommendation to Council.
From time to time, Council may receive, or provide from its own range of funding streams, ex-gratia contributions to special rate or charge schemes. These funds are to be applied to offset the overall cost of the project and not specific components. Council may consider schemes from time to time, of a particular and special nature. For reasons unique to a particular scheme Council may resolve to apply a funding arrangement which differs to that shown in the attached "Contribution Guidelines". This shall be project specific, only.
Council, in considering a scheme, may elect to adopt, abandon or modify a project. The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal may review a scheme on owners request. Council Officers will represent Council's decision including reasons why the scheme should proceed.
Where an infrastructure Scheme is adopted, with or without review, a public tender process shall be used to appoint a suitable contractor. Council's Supervising Engineer shall manage the project including any further discussions and negotiations with property owners.
Once the project has reached final completion and all costs have been aggregated, a finalisation report will be presented to Council. Any cost adjustments will be in accordance with requirements of the Act.

6. QUALITY RECORDS

Quality Records shall be retained for at least the period shown below.

Record Retention/Disposal	Responsibility	Retention Period	Location
Council Reports	Corporate Records	Ongoing	DataWorks
Minutes	Engineering Services	7 years	DataWorks
Scheme details, working documents	Engineering Services	7 years	EngineeringServices

7. ATTACHMENTS

CONTRIBUTION GUIDELINES

The following provides a guide for Council regarding financial contribution arrangements for the various types of special rate and charge schemes.

1. Road Infrastructure

Property owners, where special benefit can be established, pay for full cost of works as base case. In certain circumstances a contribution to a scheme, by Council or other parties is warranted and this includes:

• Council owned land abutting the works.
• Land owned by the Crown or other Authority which is unable to be joined in the scheme.
• A standard road pavement width of 7.5m for residential areas and 10.0m for industrial areas shall be used as a benchmark and any width greater than this is to be funded from sources other than property owners.
• Community benefit shall be assessed on each project and the cost attributable to this benefit, paid for by Council.
• Footpaths shall be funded on the basis of 50% Council and 50% property owners. Owners contribution may be reduced subject to community benefit analysis.
• Rural roads will be assessed for charging purposes on a 6.0m road pavement and a maximum charge of $15,000 applied to property owners. This will be the subject of CPI increases commencing 1 July 2012.

2. Drainage Infrastructure

• Easement drainage over private property shall be fully funded by benefiting owners.
• Main drainage shall be considered on a catchment basis and funded by benefiting owners.

3. Carparks and Streetscapes

• Generally to be the subject of consideration by Council on an individual basis.

4. Marketing, Promotion and Business Development

• Program to be fully funded by business / commercial owners within the specified catchment.
• Properties used exclusively for residential purpose to be exempted.

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

Drysdale Pony Club Dressage Competition this Sunday

Drysdale Leopold Pony Club will be holding their "BEDS" Dressage competition this Sunday at Lake Lorne Reserve.

This is both a Pony Club and Horse Riding Club event.


Sashes awarded for 1st  – 6th placing in individual tests. Champion sash and trophy and reserve champion sash awarded for jackpot events in each level in both Pony Club Association of Victoria (PCAV) and Horse Riding Clubs Association of Victoria (HRCAV) sections.

Please come along and see our local riders in action.

Wheelie DAY in Drysdale on 14 October 2011

Wheelie Day is on in Drysdale on Friday 14 October. It is part of the 2011 October Jayco Herald Sun Cycling Tour Week of Activities.

The main event for families and the local community will be from 12-6pm on the Drysdale Primary School oval. Free entertainment, giveaways, live music, food, wine and local produce will be available.

The Royal Institution of Australia will present "Spin, sweat and success". Interactive hands on activities, specially designed science obstacle course, with guests presenters from the CSIRO and Deakin to talk about elite athlete physiology and nutrition and offer free samples.

Committee for Bellarine will be handing out free value show bags to the first 500 families who enter, which will also include items that promote the Bellarine.

More information is available from http://cleangreenbellarine.groupsite.com/discussion/topic/show/508836

Update 10 October 2011: Information on Drysdale road closures is available from the City of Greater Geelong website - an extract is reproduced below:

"To facilitate the safe running of the Honda Hybrid Women’s Tour Team Trial on Friday 14 October, the following temporary changed traffic conditions will be implemented:

• Geelong-Portarlington Road between Murradoc Road, Drysdale, and Batman Road, Portarlington, will be closed to vehicular traffic from approximately 11.30am until 1.30pm. All side street access onto Geelong-Portarlington Road will be restricted during these times. Detours will be in place for the closure of the Geelong-Portarlington Road. It is recommended that motorists use the detour route via Murradoc Road, Portarlington-Queenscliff Road (or vice versa) when travelling during the road closure period."

"To facilitate the safe finish of the Stage 3 Men’s Road Race on Friday 14 October, the following temporary changed traffic conditions will be implemented:

• Princess Street between Newcombe Street and the carpark to the Springdale Neighbourhood Centre, Drysdale, will be closed from approximately 10.00am to 5.00pm. Local access will be maintained at all times, with the exception of the race finish between 2.00pm and 3.00pm."

Drysdale Women's Health Forum

Aimed at women 40 years and over, the Drysdale Women's Health Forum will feature a local female GP and health workers from Bellarine Community Health.

This is a social evening with supper and a prize provided by Curves Drysdale women's gum.

Topics covered include: heart health, menopause and continence, health self management, mental health, breast and cervical health, Zena women's health services and gamblers help.

Held on Thursday 13th October from 6.30 to 8.30 pm at the Bellarine Community Health. 21 Palmerston Street, Drysdale.

There are limited places - you must confirm your attendance - phone 5251 2291

Girls Night In Friday 28 October

Come and join Curves for a girls night in on Friday October 28 at the Springdale Community Hall in Drysdale.

Open from 7.30pm - 9.30pm, tickets are $10 per person, purchased prior to the evening at Curves.

Stylist Jo from Westfield will be there giving beauty tips and tricks. Also there will be massage, waxing, nails, eyebrows, jewellery and lots more. Treatments are $5 each.

Curves is located at 6-8, 21 Clifton Springs Road, Drysdale. Phone 5253 3029.

Join Curves for free in October and help fight breast cancer

Healthy eating and regular physical activity have shown to lower your risk of breast and other types of cancer.

Curves offers a 30 minute work out, just three times a week to help keep your whole body healthy.

During their Breast Cancer promotion in October, Curves is waiving the service fee with either proof of a recent mammogram or donation to a breast cancer organisation.

Curves Bellarine is located at 6-8, 21 Clifton Springs Road, Drysdale - Phone 5253 3029

More information is available from Curves Drysdale

Drysdale Real Estate Prices on the rise

Two recent news publications list Drysdale as a real estate growth area to watch:

The Domain Property Review on September 11, 2011 (page 18) listed Drysdale in its Suburbs to Watch and quoted :

"The historic commercial town on the Bellarine retains some charming heritage buildings and is only 15 minutes from Geelong and 10 minutes from much pricier sea-change beach villages such as Port Arlington, Point Lonsdale and Ocean Grove. In Drysdale, says Ray White Drysdale agent Robert Dario, retiring Western District farmers and downsizing boomers who can't afford the coast can buy a good, north-facing family house on a double block with views for $600,000. "Similar waterfront lifestyle property on the Bellarine - which is south-facing", he emphasises, "can be up to $1.2 million." Two-to-three bedroom family houses ranging from four to 10 years old can be found for around the mid-$400,000 mark, making Drysdale welcoming for first-home buyers. An old unit in town would start in the mid-$200,000s.

Also quoted was:

"Drysdale, with a median of $450,000, has registered as the top-performing outer suburb, nearly double (28.6 percent) the gain of every-green, upmarket Sorrento (14.8 percent)."

Then in the Geelong Advertiser on Saturday 24 September 2011 on page 19, Drysdale was listed as one of Geelong's top-10 fastest growing suburbs with an annual growth rate of 21.2% and a five year growth rate of 66.1%, the median price listed as $423,500.

Bayview on the Bellarine estate - name that street competition

Real estate developers Bayview on the Bellarine is hosting a competition to enable residents to suggest street names which relect the heritage and landscape of the local area. 

Entries close on Friday 30 September 2011.

The winner will receive the choice of either a Dolphin and Seal Swim/Snorkelling Cruise for a family of four or a give hour off-shore fishing charter for four people.

To enter the competition visit http://www.bvbellarine.com.au/competition.php and complete the entry form online.

Dysdale Aldi - Construction Delays

The Bellarine Times (Tuesday 13 September 2011 issue) reports on page 3 that:

"Construction delays have hit Drysdale's planned Aldi supermarket. The new store will be built at 20-26 Murradoc Road where land clearing work has begun. A company spokesperson last week was unable to confirm an opening date "due to delays in construction". Aldi had earlier this year advised the store would be built and trading by Christmas. The delays will be disappointing for local traders in Murradoc Road who see the supermarket as attracting new business to the small-business and light-industry strip."

Protesters out in force over Griggs Creek proposed bridge

The Geelong Advertiser reports today (12 September 2011) that hundreds of protesters turned out on Sunday 11 September to protest the proposed bridge over Griggs Creek to link Bayshore Ave with the Jetty Road development

"... About 200 locals banded together in a show of solidarity  with many donning red  to protest a planned bridge at Griggs Creek which would link Bayshore Ave with the Jetty Rd housing development.

Drysdale-Clifton Springs Community Association secretary Patrick Hughes said the bridge would have a huge impact on the locals as heavy construction traffic streamed through to build houses at the 310-acre development..."

"People don't want the bridge, people don't need the bridge, and it's a total contradiction of council policy," Mr Hughes said... 

Safeway Drysdale healthy supermarket tour

On Wednesday September 14, a healthy supermarket tour will be held for 2 hours for people living with diabetes/prediabetes at the Safeway Supermarket in Drysdale.

A dietician will show you how to find suitable everyday foods which are healthy.

To book phone 1300 136 588 - Diabetes Australia

Cost is $15 or $10 for members.

Equathon on again - Sunday October 30

The Equathon is on not in Drysdale this time but in Lara at Elcho Park on Sunday 30 October 2011. The Equathon combines 3 disciplines in the one event - swimming, running and show jumping.

Teams and individual competitors are invited to compete.

Entries close Monday 24 October 2011

Details area available from Ernie Fontaine - Co-ordinator Equathons Victoria.

Contact: 5264 1730 or 0421 210178. Email: esprit1@bigpond.com

Jayco Herald Sun tour Cyclists coming to Drysdale Oct 14

The Bellarine Times (30 August 2011 issue page 7) reports that the Jayco Herald Sun Tour cyclists will be in Drysdale for the stage three finish of the road race on Friday October 14.

The Jayco tour course map is available.

The Tour route is:

Date		Stage		Location	Format
Wed 12 Oct		Stage 1		Whittlesea to Ballarat	Road Race
Thu 13 Oct		Stage 2		Ballarat to Geelong	Road Race
Fri 14 Oct		Stage 3		Geelong to Bellarine Peninsula	Road Race
Sat 15 Oct		Stage 4		Sorrento to Arthurs Seat	Road Race
Sun 16 Oct		Stage 5		Melbourne	Circuit Race

The Committee for Bellarine is organising activities around the day. Contact them for more information.

Drysdale in pink on Oct 7 to support breast cancer research

The Bellarine Times ( 30 August 2011 issue, p 5) reports that Drysdale residents will be wearing pink on October 7 to support fundraising for breast cancer research.

Fundraising hats and badges will be for sale.  All money raised will go towards supporting breast cancer research and programs.

For details contact Annette Campbell or Carol Healy at Bellarine Gift Haven on 5253 3388.

Clifton Springs Griggs Creek Bridge fight going to VCAT

Two local papers this week ran stories on the battle local Clifton Springs residents are having with the City of Greater Geelong over the proposed building of a bridge over Griggs Creek linking Bay Shore Ave with the Jetty Road housing development led by L. Bisnella Developments.

The Bellarine Independent reports in an article on August 26, 2011, by Kim Waters entitled "Go tell it to VCAT" that:

"Planning Minister Matthew Guy has shot down objections to a proposed bridge at Clifton Springs, according to a lead objector.

John Boland said Mr Guy suggested the 824 people who signed a petition against the bridge should take their fight to a Victorian Civil Administrative Tribunal hearing in October"...

Mr Guy's letter recommended VCAT as the appropriate authority to consider the objections..."

The Echo on Thursday 25 August 2011 reported in an article entitled: "Springs bridge fears" by Martin Watters that:

"Dangerous traffic volumes, land-slip fears and lost Aboriginal artefacts are the reasons cited by hundreds of Clifton Springs residents voicing their disapproval of a planned bridge to estate land...

The protests accuse City Hall of approving the cheapest option in catering for heavy traffic, which residents say will pose a danger to school children and the elderly.

Under the City of Greater Geelong's master plan for the area, the development was originally planned to be serviced by a north-south road through the middle of the estate to cater for traffic during construction and when finished.

But residents became concerned when told that road would not be built for 15 years, if at all..."

A letter to the editor in the Echo on Thursday August 25, 2011 by Gary Dean from Clifton Springs states:

"The City of Greater Geelong is supporting an application to go before VCAT to construct a bridge over Griggs Creek at Bayshore Ave, Clifton Springs, against overwhelming opposition of 864 signatures on a petition, which is growing rapidly as more and more residents become aware of council's plan.

We oppose the bridge, not the new estate, due to a number of genuine concerns.

No north/south road from Portarlington Rd for up to 15 years.

COGG confirms that up to 3000 vehicles a day could use our residential streets should the bridge construction go ahead with the blessing of council....

The concerns of residents and ratepayers in the Clifton Springs/Drysdale communities seems to pale into insignificance when compared to the interests of developers in the eyes of this council...

We need to do everything in our power to stop this bridge."

DryClift Days August 25, 2011 also reports: "Interest grows in 'rogue bridge'":

"The City of Greater Geelong's (CoGG) decision to allow an 'unlimited load' bridge to be built from Bayshore Avenue into the northern end of the Jetty Road Urban Growth Area is attracting growing opposition and media interest.

Residents argue that an 'unlimited load' bridge would take a heavy toll on their way of life, on their safety and on their fragile natural environment and cultural heritage. A decision of this sort of significance would normally be subject to public scrutiny through the formal planning process, but local people heard about this 'rogue bridge' only once the council had decided to allow it. 864 residents have signed a petition to state Planning Minister Matthew Guy, calling on him to intervene in the issue..."

Another example of council pandering to the wants of real estate developers and not of their consituents. The VCAT hearing is listed for 26 October 2011.

Drysdale based Geelong Show Jumping Club profiled in the Bellarine Independent

The Geelong Show Jumping Club which is based at Lake Lorne Reserve in Drysdale was profiled in last Friday's Bellarine Independent.

The article entitled "Club Rides the Jumps", by John Van Klaveren, 19 August 2011 is available online - some sinippets:

"... president Tom Lupton said the sport had a healthy local junior section as well, fed by the many pony clubs around the region.

The club held its major event, the August Show last weekend at Geelong Showgrounds. The event is traditionally considered the start of the showjumping season, with state and national riders using it as a warm-up for high profile competitions at the Adelaide and Melbourne shows...

Tom said Geelong was one of the biggest horse areas in the state, second only to the Mornington Peninsula and Yarra Valley region.

“We run a junior show every Australia Day weekend aimed at pony club level. The pony clubs are an important feeder and means we have a big junior following in our club.”...

Established in 1978, Geelong Showjumping Club is based at Drysdale’s Lake Lorne Reserve.

Tom said more information about the club was available by phoning him on Tom 0409 209 388 or visiting geelongshowjumping.com.au..."

Dam at the end of Ryan Court - no more

The dam created by the Geelong Council at the end of Ryan Court was a doozy. Who would have thought affected residents should be consulted prior to Council building it?
Background on this is available from:

• Who you gonna call? Dam busters! DryClift Days, August 1, 2011 - "One morning in early March 2011, residents of Ryan Court, Drysdale found contractors digging a large hole at the bottom of their sloping road, immediately outside the last house in the street. They were told that it was to be a 'Bio-retention Basin', which was intended to filter impurities from the storm water running down their street. This was the first that the residents had heard of this decision..."
• Busting 'urban dams' DryClift Days August 17, 2011 - "DCSCA members and friends in Ryan Court, Drysdale, have been assured by the City of Greater Geelong that it will fill-in a two feet deep unfenced hole that it excavated at the bottom of their road.... Council officers told the residents that the council had sent them a letter in 2010, telling them that the dam would be created. No-one received such a letter. Had they been asked, residents could have pointed out that young children live near the dam, which is in the middle of a well-used local shortcut across a creek..."
• 'Dam busters' win battle of Drysdale, by Kim Waters, Bellarine Independent, 19 August 2011. DRYSDALE residents have claimed victory in a six-month battle against an “urban dam” at the end of their court, according to a lead objector.
  Ryan Court resident Lesley Bennett started a “vigorous protest” after council gave the green light for the 18-square-metre “water retention basin” in March.
  Mrs Bennett said the dam, on open land at the end of Ryan Court, filled up after one day of heavy rain.

Central Walk Drysdale advertising privately owned land as part of their development

There have been quite a few objectors to the way the new Central Walk Drysdale subdivision has been marketed. Many private properties have been included in the plan without the agreement of the individual owners.

The Bellarine Independent reported in "Plan was City idea: developer" on Friday 19 August 2011 that

CITY Hall asked developers to include private properties in advertising for a new Drysdale residential estate, according to the company behind the project.

Urban Land Developments director Ross Closter said council endorsed a development plan that appeared in advertising for the estate.

Mr Closter said the City requested that he include the privately owned properties surrounding the development to show how the area “could be one integrated development site”.

The Independent revealed last week that residents surrounding the estate were “surprised” to see their properties for sale as part of the development.

Seems like all this Council wants to do is give real estate developers what they want at the expense of local residents. Must be only 15 months to the next election.....!

Planning Permits - Drysdale Clifton Springs July 2011

From the Geelong Council Monthly Decision Report - July 2011 - Geelong Council Agenda 23 August 2011.

369/2011 - 124 Clifton Springs Road, Drysdale VIC 3222 Two lot subdivision 6 July 2011 - Notice of Decision to Grant a Planning Permit Delegated Authority - 2 Objectors

144/2011 - 142-170 Whitcombes Road, Drysdale VIC 3222 Use and development of a caretakers house 8 July 2011 - Refusal to Grant a Planning Permit - Development Hearings Panel

Design and Development Overlay 14 is back on the Geelong Council Agenda tonight

Design and Development Overlay 14 (DDO14) - Dwellings over 7.5m Review is scheduled as Item 3 on the Geelong Council Agenda tonight.


The (DDO14) control within the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme requires dwellings over 7.5m in height to obtain planning approval prior to construction.


Drysdale and Clifton Springs are affected - refer previous post on this for map. 
Recommendation is that Council:


1. Prepare an amendment (C245) to the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme, subject to authorisation, to:
a) Amend the MSS as required including deleting reference to further work (DDO14 review) in clause 21.06-6;
b) Draft a new schedule to the Design and Development Overlay (based on the document version in Appendix 2) which relates to areas identified as having access to views in the municipality and tailored objectives and decision guidelines to assist decision making;
c) Update the planning scheme maps (based on the maps in Appendix 1) to apply the DDO to the identified areas and delete it from all others;
d) Delete DDO14 from the area covered by SLO8;
e) Include the DDO14 over 114-158 The Avenue (south side of the street only) and 84 & 86 Tuckfield Street Ocean Grove.


I wonder if they will have a quorum tonight on this issue?


Update 9 Sept 2011 - The minutes from Council meeting of 23 August 2011,  in relation to this item, state:
Cr Macdonald moved, Cr Doull seconded -
That Council:
1. Prepare an amendment (C245) to the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme,
subject to authorisation, to:
a) Amend the MSS as required including deleting reference to further work
(DDO14 review) in clause 21.06-6;
b) Draft a new schedule to the Design and Development Overlay (based on
the document version in Appendix 2) which relates to areas identified as
having access to views in the municipality and tailored objectives and
decision guidelines to assist decision making;
c) Update the planning scheme maps (based on the maps in Appendix 1) to
apply the DDO to the identified areas and delete it from all others;
d) Delete DDO14 from the area covered by SLO8;
e) Include the DDO14 over 114-158 The Avenue (south side of the street
only) and 84 & 86 Tuckfield Street Ocean Grove.
Carried.

More Info on the Griggs Creek proposed Bridge

Still no word on the outcome of the Griggs Creek bridge.

However, Dryclift Days has published a great overview of the status of the proposed Griggs Creek Bridge linking Bay Shore Avenue with the Jetty Road Development, entitled "A troubling bridge over local waters".

There is also a small article published in the Bellarine Independent on 12 August entitled "Bridge bypass to Guy’s office".

Jetty Road - a Bridge too far - article from Geelong Advertiser August 10

Today's Geelong Advertiser has published an article entiteld "Jetty road a bridge too far: City rides roughshod over concerns of residents" by John Boland - a Clifton Springs resident and former journalist and TV news producer - (page 22 August 11, 2011 issue).

The article discusses the implementation of the Jetty Road Master Plan for Clifton Springs and the Bay Shore Ave / Griggs creek bridge proposal - some highlights below:

"A linchpin of this plan was a north-sout road through the estates from Portarlington Road. this was to link all the estates currently under construction. At the last meeting of council planners and ratepayers, we were advised there was now to be no north-south road for 15 years, if at all....

Unfortunately, this decision completely land locks an estate being developed with sea frontage blocks.

These estates are worth billions of dollars. City hall planners decided to overcome the land-lock by having a bridge built from Bay Shore Ave, which is a dead end street, across Griggs Creek. About 30 meters before Bay Shore Ave ends at Griggs Creek, there is a T-intersection from Kewarra Drive. It would share the traffic increase brought about by a bridge.

Both Kewarra Drive and Bay Shore Ave are two-lane private streets. Should vehicles be partked on each side of these streets for example, it is extremely difficult for another vehicle to pass. Niether private street has footpaths, like most other streets in Clifton Springs....

The latest decision announced by City Hall planners is to build a bridge of unlimited tonnage. This would enable double bogies, trucks, cement mixers, crane vehicles and all other types of construction vehicles to access the land-locked estate for years to come.

Unfortunately the story doesn't stop there. The planners also announced Bay Shore Ave was to take 3000 vehicles a day. This was never in the master plan. Bay Shore Ave currently would take at most 30 vehicles a day and never more than 50. Never could it take 3000 vehicles a day...

Ratepayer-residens were advised last week that State Planning Minister Buy has received a report on his investigation ino the Clifton Springs fiasco. We are advised he will make a decision soon."

Related to this article is the report regarding the C230 Jetty Road Growth Area Stage 1 Development contributions plan which was tabled at the Geelong council meeting in April.

Geelong council Meeting 27 April 2011 Minutes

At the Geelong Council meeting 27 April 2011 - Agenda item 1 looked at the C230 Jetty Road Growth Area Stage 1 Development Contributions Plan.

This amendment proposed a Development Contributions Plan (DCP) for the Jetty Road Growth Area at Drysdale and Clifton Springs.
This was a Council initiated amendment and seeked to include the DCP as an incorporated document in the Planning Scheme and apply a Development Contributions Plan Overlay to Stage 1 of the growth area.
The amendment also proposed a Public Acquisition Overlay (PAO) over private land between Portarlington Road and the Bellarine Rail Trail for a new north-south collector road into the growth area.

A total of eight submissions were received with 2 submissions supporting the
amendment in full and a further 5 submissions objecting to certain aspects.

The 2 supporting submissions were from the Corangamite Catchment
Management Authority and Barwon Water. The objecting submissions were from
the four Stage 1 developers, Vic Roads and the owner affected by the PAO.

Key issues in the objecting submissions include: timing for construction of the east
west and north south collector roads; the pedestrian bridge over the north south
road at the Bellarine Rail Trail; request for Stage 2 to contribute to the east-west
road; Vic Roads request for the north-south road to be provided early; objection to
the compulsory acquisition of land for the north-south road; query on the need for
golf course netting; claims that the costs and contingencies are too high in the
DCP; and a request to reduce the community infrastructure contributions.

Submission from Vic Roads

Vic Roads request for the north-south road to be provided early - The growth area requires a new north south road with an intersection at Portarlington
Rd. The timing is for the road to be provided at 900 lots. The road is shown as Parts A & B on the map in Appendix 1-4.
Vic Road's submission (number 6) is that the North/South Rd should be operational
from the early stages of development (400 lots) to share the traffic load between the
North South Rd and Jetty Rd. Vic Roads is responsible for upgrades to the
Portarlington/Grubb Rd/Jetty Rd intersection but cannot indicate when this will occur.

Officer Response -
Council officers do not support this submission. The initial staging of the growth area
concentrates development close to Jetty Rd and Wyndham Street. It will be some time
before development occurs along the route of the North South Rd. The North South
Road will be constructed during development of Stage 1 but Council officers believe
400 lots is too early and 900 lots as exhibited is the appropriate trigger point.

Compulsory acquisition of land for the north-south road

Submission number 5 from the family of the elderly owner/resident of land (Mrs Stabb) affected by the proposed PAO raises a number of objections. These include questions as to why the land isn't acquired from the Golf Course instead, and concerns regarding negative impacts on farming activities on the land, quality of life, privacy, access and fencing.

Officer Response - Acquiring land from the Golf Course would require major works to reconfigure the course to suit and, as the Stabb property is within Stage 2 of the Growth Area, it is seen as a more appropriate option.
While there will be a loss of a strip of land the remainder of the property should not be
affected. Compensation at the time of acquisition will be provided. Access to the property will be provided from the north south road when it is eventually constructed.

There may be a small impact on the privacy of the Stabb household but this can be
minimized with planting and fencing along the road. To lessen the immediate concerns of the Stabb family it is recommended that purchase of the land is delayed by 2 years so that the land is acquired at 450 lots as opposed to the DCP current timing at 150 lots (i.e. after one year of development).

Refer minutes from the Geelong Council April 27, 2011. The minutes also recorded the following decision on this Agenda item:

Cr Macdonald moved, Cr Doull seconded - Carried-
That Council having considered all submissions to Amendment C230 to the
Greater Geelong Planning Scheme resolves to:

1) Request the Minister for Planning to appoint an Independent Panel under Part 8 of the Planning & Environment Act;

2) Refer all submissions to the Panel;

3) Submit to the Panel its response to the submissions generally as outlined in this report.

Hopefully common sense will prevail and the bridge over Griggs Creek will not proceed. Councillors really should start to listen to residents or come next election they might be replaced.

Drysdale Primary School Trivia Night - 13 August

On Saturday 13 August, the Drysdale Primary School is hosting a trivia night from 7 - 11pm to raise funds for the re-establishment of the school's play area.

It is being held in the school hall - cost is $10 per ticket and it is for Adults only.

BYO food and drink.

Contact the school on 5251 2272 for tickets and information.

Drysdale Library will close from 29 August for 2 months

The Drysdale Library will be redeveloped to increase community space to allow for more activities, improve layout and increase public computers with internet access from two computers to ten computers.

 

For this to happen the Drysdale Library and the Geelong Council's Drysdale Customer Service Centre will close temporarily from Monday 29 August 2011 for approximately two months.

 

The Geelong Libraries website advises library members to access the service at other branches in Ocean Grove, Queenscliff or Newcomb or via the mobile library stops at Portarlington, Leopold and St Leonards. 

More information is available from the Geelong Libraries website.

Geelong Council Revisits Design and Development Overlay Height Levels

The Geelong Council has on its Agenda for this Tuesday night Design and Development Overlay 14 (DDO14) - Dwellings over 7.5m Review.

The Design and Development Overlay – schedule 14 requires a planning permit to be obtained for any buildings and works over 7.5 metres in height above natural ground level..

Below is a plan of the Drysdale Clifton Springs area (the parts shaded in pink) to which this Proposed Application of DDO14 will apply:

The Design and Development Overlay 14 (DDO14) control within the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme requires dwellings over 7.5m in height to obtain planning approval prior to construction.

An amended DDO will be applied to some parts of Drysdale-Clifton Springs (areas generally adjacent to Collins and High Street).

More information is available from the Geelong Council Agenda.

Update 3 August 2011 - The minutes of the meeting are available.  This item did not have a quorum due to conflicts of interest by a number of councillors. So the item has lapsed.

Monthly Planning Decison by Geelong Council as it affects Drysdale

Geelong Council Agenda for Tuesday 26 July 2011 reports one planning permit granted for Drysdale and Clifton Springs.

323/2011 45 Duke Street, Drysdale - Development of Two (2) Dwellings and Two (2) Lot Subdivision 24 June 2011. Notice of Decision to Grant a Planning Permit. Delegated Authority - 1 objector.

New Subdivision opens in Drysdale

A new subdivision bounded by Clarendon Road, Woodville Street and Princess Streets in Drysdale is now open. Called Central Walk Drysdale - the subdivision is offering 200 lots varying in size from 405- 891 sq metres. Works to put in drains and roads are said to commence around October/November later this year.

This subdivision was enabled under Amendment C103 which was adopted by Geelong Council in September 2010.

A photo of the local area overlaid with the proposed subdivision was published in the Bellarine Times this week (July 5, 2011) on pages 28-29.

The developer is Ross Closter of Urban Land Developments. The sales office is located at 37 Princess Street, Drysdale.

Update 22 July 2011: Dryclift days has provided an interesting commentary on the conflicts between the design of this development and the spirit of the Drysdale Clifton Springs Structure plan - worth a read!

Geelong Council says no to swimming pool for Drysdale

The Bellarine Independent newspaper on Friday 1 July 2011 reports in an article entitled "Council 'scuttles bid for new pool'":

"GEELONG'S council has poured cold water on a new push for a pool to service Clifton Springs and Drysdale, according to a community representative..."

The Drysdale Clifton Springs Community Association has been advocating for a new pool to be included as part the Drysdale/Clifton Springs Sports Precinct Master Plan.

Dryclift Days in their blog article entitled: DCSCA proposal to break pool deadlock says:

"The City of Greater Geelong (CoGG) asserts that there is insufficient local demand to justify building a $12m swimming pool and has advised local people to go to the pool at Ocean Grove..."

Seems like Council is not interested in what the residents want only in what Council wants to give them - guess there is an election coming the end of next year - will be interesting to see what that flushes out into the swimming pool mix!

Public Meeting July 6 regarding Bellarine Peninsula Lookout

The Geelong Council is convening a public meeting on Wednesday 6 July at 6pm at the Potato Shed, Peninsula Drive, Drysdale to find out community feedback on proposed sites for a lookout on the Bellarine Peninsula.

More information is available from: Jake McMinn on 5272 4968 or email jmcminn@geelongcity.vic.gov.au.

Jetty Road Neighbourhood Activity Centre - Amendment C188 up for adoption Tuesday Night

This Tuesday night Geelong Council will consider the adoption of Amendment C188 for the Jetty Road Neighbourhood Centre in the new subdivision containing Curlewis Parks in Drysdale. Below is a summary of that amendment from the current Geelong Council agenda.

ADOPTION OF AMENDMENT C188 - JETTY ROAD NEIGHBOURHOOD ACTIVITY CENTRE, DRYSDALE

Portfolio: Planning – Cr Macdonald

Source: Economic Development, Planning & Tourism – Strategic

Implementation

General Manager: Peter Bettess

Index Reference: Application: C188

Summary

• The purpose of this report is to consider the submissions about Amendment C188 and to recommend adoption of the Amendment. Amendment C188 seeks to facilitate the development of the Jetty Road Neighbourhood Activity Centre in Drysdale (NAC).
• The application was made by David Lock Associates, acting on behalf of Dalgo Pty Ltd and Libnom Pty Ltd, also known as Algo Properties.
• The Amendment applies to the south-west corner of the land at 148-166 Jetty Road, Drysdale, the site of the proposed Jetty Road NAC, and proposes to rezone the land to Business 1 Zone (B1Z) and amend the Schedule to the Business 1 Zone to apply a leasable floor area cap to the activity centre; apply a new schedule to the Design and Development Overlay (DDO) to the subject land; and amend the Schedule to Clause 52.28-3 to include the Jetty Road Neighbourhood Activity Centre Drysdale as a strip shopping centre where gaming machines are prohibited.
• The Amendment was originally proposed to be combined under Section 96A of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 with a planning permit for a two (2) lot subdivision to create a new lot for the NAC land that is to be rezoned, avoiding the land being in two zones. This has been overtaken by planning permit (1362/2011) issued prior to the exhibition of Amendment C188.
• Amendment C188 was exhibited for a one month period between 14 April and 16 May 2011, in response to which four (4) submissions were received.
• Three submissions are from Government agencies and do not object to the Amendment. One (1) submission is from the proponent supporting the Amendment.
• As there are no objecting submissions or submissions that seek a change to the Amendment, it is recommended that Council adopt the Amendment and forward it to the Minister for Planning seeking final approval

Recommendation

That Council, having considered all submissions to Amendment C188 resolves to:
1) Adopt Amendment C188 as contained in Appendix 8-1 to this report; and
2) Submit the adopted Amendment together with the prescribed information to the Minister for Planning requesting approval.

Futher information:

More information about the Amendment is available from the Geelong Council agenda for 28 June 2011 - in pdf format (3911kb)

Update 4 July 2011: Minutes from the meeting have now been published. in pdf format (8946kb). Refer pages 55 -71. Council have adopted the recommendations. A press release from the Council entitled Council supports amendment for Jetty Road Neighbourhood Activity Centre is also available.

ALDI should be operating in Drysdale by Christmas

An article in this weeks Bellarine Times (21 June 2011 - p 10) entitled "Business strip takes off" states:

"A new small business complex and the planned opeining of supermarket giant ALDI are signs of a resurgence of business in Drysdale's Murradoc Road, according to a local developer.
The ALDI store is expected to be trading by December on a yet-to-be-developed site on Murradoc Road near the main Drysdale roundabout..."

More information is available from the Bellarine Times.
Update: Anecdotally I hear building will start September.

Further Update July 4, 2011: - Bellarine Times reported last Tuesday that work on demolition will commence in July with Aldi opening around Christmas Time. Since then demolition has started!

Drysdale Tip fees going up again!

From July 1, 2011 the Drysdale tip fees are going up again!

You will pay the following:

• Car Boot - $14.50
• Utilities, Vans, Single axle trailers (waterline) - $31.50
• Single axle trailers (heaped) … (minimum) - $39.50
• Tandem Trailers (waterline) ... (minimum) - $39.50
• Tandem Trailers (heaped) … (minimum) - $79.00
• Please note trailer charges are based on $39.50 per cubic metre

More information is available from the City of Greater Geelong.

MaryElla's of Drysdale - Second Hand Books Art Giftwares opens

A new second hand bookshop, also selling giftwares, art and photography, has opened in Drysdale.

MaryElla's of Drysdale  is named in memory of the owner Carolyn  Pickett's grandmother - Mary Ella. who enabled her to fulfil her dream of opening a second-hand bookshop near the sea.

Carolyn's grandmother ran her own business, a garage in Heywood in Western Victoria for ten years in the 1960's after the death of her husband. She was an avid reader.

Located at Shop 5, in the Village Walk off Clifton Springs Road in Drysdale, you will find an array of books covering children's literature, fiction for young adults, many Australian authors, crime thrillers, holiday reading and non-fiction.

For the winter months, MaryElla's are stocking hand knitted scarves to help with this chilly weather.  You will also find other gift wares including bookmarks, garden ornaments and plants.

Every Tuesday is meditation day conducted by Jennifer Merritt. Jennifer has studied meditation techniques over many years in Australia, New York and Japan.  She has delivered meditation classes within the corporate, medical and community sectors and also conducts regular meditation classes within the education system.

During June there is an introductory offer of $10 per meditation session.  Classes are held Tuesday's from 12 noon to 12.45pm and from 7pm to 7.45 pm.  Please book a session to confirm your place.

Shop opening hours are

• Monday 10am - 6pm
• Tuesday - meditation only
• Wednesday 10am to 6pm
• Thursday 9am to 5pm
• Friday 9am - 6pm
• Saturday 9am - 2pm

Please take some time to visit MaryElla's of Drysdale - Shop 5, The Village Walk, 21 Clifton Springs Road, Drysdale.  Phone 0400 787 210 or email: maryellasofdrysale@bigpond.com.

Curves Drysdale Food Drive plus the June 50% discount joining fee

Curves Drysdale is running its annual food drive to benefit families in the Drysdale Clifton Springs local area.

Last year the Curves community donated 1026kg of non perishable food to the local food bank.

This year's target is 1000kg - although it would be even better to break last years total.

Please bring your non perishable food stuffs to Curves - Anyone can donate at 6-8 / 21 Clifton Springs Road, Drysdale - Ph 5253 3029 or email curvesdrysdale@exemail.com.au

In addition Curves Drysdale are offering a 50% discount off the joining fee for the month of June 2011. This is open to all new members.  Fantastic opportunity to get fit over winter.

You can also check out Curves on Facebook.

Bay Shore Avenue - Griggs Creek Bridge - Jetty Road Development - Road Network and Traffic Management Plan

I found the Stage 1 - Jetty Road Development, Drysdale, Road Network and Traffic Management Plan tonight. Below is an extract regarding the extension from the Jetty Road development across Griggs Creek to Bay Shore Avenue.

The extract from the Report is in pdf format and available from the City of Greater Geelong website.

Section 5.6.2 Bay Shore Avenue 

The plan requires the extension to Bay Shore Avenue across Griggs Creek to be designed as a local connection. The objective is to achieve local permeability between the new and established residential areas as well as the foreshore area for all road users (vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians), whilst also recognising the environmental capacity of this local street. The plan states that construction traffic will not access the growth area via Bay Shore Avenue.

The western section of Bay Shore Avenue extends in an east-west direction from a dead end ad Griggs Creek in the west to Clifton Springs Road in the east. West of Jetty Road, Bay Shore Avenue is a local street with a pavement width of approximately 7.3m and a road reserve of approximately 20m. No footpaths are provided and the default urban speed limit of 50km/h applies to this road. 

It is suggested that Council may need to consider the construction of a footpath on one or both sides of this street to ensure Bay Shore Avenue satisfies the design requirements for an Access Street Level 1 under Clause 56 of the Planning Scheme. 

The staging of the development would also need to carefully manage the impacts on Bay Shore Avenue. It is suggested that not more than 150 lots would be contained within any catchment that is captive to using Bay Shore Avenue. 

As shown in the figure below, the local road network providing a connection between the Jetty Road Growth Area and Bay Shore Avenue has been designed to be sufficiently circuitous to discourage through traffic use of this link, whilst still maintaining local access.

Source: Stage 1 - Jetty Road Development, Drysdale, Road Network and Traffic Management Plan- in pdf format (9,302 kb) - 18 February 2011 - p26. The complete Jetty Road Development Plan Drysdale - Road Network and Traffic Management Plan report is also available - in pdf format (8908kb). (These documents requires the use of Adobe Acrobat Reader).

Geelong Council publishes Monthly Planning Committee and a Development Hearings Panel Decisions

There were 2 properties in Drysdale on the Geelong Council monthly Planning Committee and Development Hearings Panel list.

74/2011 - 24 Bridge Street, Drysdale VIC 3222 -  Four (4) Lot Subdivision 21 April 2011 - Notice of Decision to Grant a Planning Permit Development Hearings Panel.

1471/2010 - 16-22 Palmerston Street, Drysdale VIC 3222 - Use and development of a medical centre and partial waiving of car parking requirement 27 April 2011 - Notice of Decision to Grant a Planning Permit Delegated Authority - 3 objectors

More information is available from the Geelong Council Agenda 14 June 2011 - in pdf format (8,801 kb). (This document requires the use of Adobe Acrobat Reader).

Telstra Country Wide - Drysdale Community Meeting June 16

Telstra Country Wide is hold a community meeting for customers on Thursday 16 June at the Springdale Neighbourhood Centre from 10am - 2pm.

The aim of the meeting is to listen to customers and hear the issues facing them. [And hopefully do something about them!]

Customers can discuss any issue including updating their mobile phone, bill questions, mobile phone plans, etc.

Kumon trial in Drysdale for 2 weeks

From 16 - 29 June there will be a trial for Kumon tuition in maths and English in Drysdale..

From the Kumon Australia website:

The Kumon Method is an individualised learning method. The starting point for each Kumon student is determined individually. Students start with the level where they can attain a perfect score by studying on their own. The worksheets have been designed in a way that allows students to figure out how to solve problems on their own. If students continue to study at their own pace, they will catch up with their school grade level and eventually advance far beyond it.

For more information please phone 5251 3662 and you can also read about how the Kumon Free Trial.works and about the Kumon Drysdale Education Centre.

Griggs Creek Bridge opponents take petition to Planning Minister

The Bellarine Peninsula Independent reports on page 1 today (27 May 2011), that residents opposing the building of a bridge over Griggs Creek, connecting Bayshore Avenue in Clifton Springs with the Jetty Road subdivision, have taken a petition of 864 resident's signatures directly to the Minister for Planning Matthew Guy.

Opposition is on the basis of narrow streets, elderly residents and young children playing in the area.

It will be interesting to see what view the Planning Minister takes in dealing with the City of Greater Geelong on this issue.

Hopefully, common sense will prevail and residents wishes will be upheld instead of them being railroaded into having something no one wants.

St James Church Hall Restoration - Building works begun

The Bellarine Times article entitled "Church hall works under way" by David Finlayson May 24, 2011 page 5, reports that the restoration of Drysdale's heritage listed St James' Church hall has begun.

Grants have been provided by Heritage Victoria ($50,000) and also from the State government's Developing Community Infrastructure program ($235,000).

However, extra funding is required to finish the project.

Donations and sponsorship opportunities are available from:
Parish Treasurer - John Marks 5253 2322
Vicar - Father Robert Myers 5251 2571

Clifton Springs residents fear traffic surge with a new bridge over Griggs Creek

An article entitled Residents call on council to rethink controversial bridge construction, by Eleanor Woods from The Bellarine Times - Tuesday 24 May 2011 reports on page 1:

The debate on whether or not a double lane traffic and pedestrian bridge should be included in the development of land in Drysdale-Clifton Springs continues.

City of Greater Geelong has proposed the bridge over Griggs Creek, at the end of Bay Shore Avenue, be constructed as one of the Jetty Road Urban Development’s access ways.

But residents in Bay Shore Road are dismayed – pleading councillors to rethink the move.

Committee for Bellarine chairman, Graeme Smith, said residents in Bay Shore Avenue, a peaceful dead-end cul-de-sac overlooking the bay, are concerned that the bridge will transform their quiet street into a busy thoroughfare.

"The fear is that if this big bridge goes up, Bay Shore Avenue will become a very busy road. The influx of both residential and construction vehicles using this area will skyrocket," Smith said.

More information is available from The Bellarine Times.

Drysdale Sports Precinct Master Plan on Agenda for Geelong Council Tuesday Night

Below is the summary from the Geelong Council Agenda for Tuesday 24 May 2011's meeting regarding the Drysdale/Clifton Springs Sports Precinct Master Plan
The full agenda is available in pdf format (9782kb) (This document requires the use of Adobe Acrobat Reader).
DRYSDALE/CLIFTON SPRINGS SPORTS PRECINCT MASTER PLAN
Portfolio: Infrastructure, Parks & Gardens - Cr Richards

Sport & Recreation - Cr Mitchell

Source: Projects, Recreation & Central Geelong

General Manager: Dean Frost

Index Reference: Project: Drysdale/Clifton Springs Regional Cultural &

Community Hub/Drysdale Sports Precinct Master Plan

Property: ID#338688

Summary

• The Drysdale/Clifton Springs Sports Precinct Master Plan was initiated to plan for the future development of a 45 hectare vacant parcel of Council owned land located south east of the Portarlington and Grubb Road intersection. The land is adjacent to a set of community and school facilities including the Potato Shed, Bellarine Secondary College, St Ignatius College and St Thomas Primary School.
• The Master Plan recommends that this land is used to provide for the future recreational needs to Drysdale/Clifton Springs and in time will become a Subregional Sports Precinct capable of providing facilities to communities on the Bellarine Peninsula.
• The plan ensures the long-term sport and recreational aspirations of the active sport groups, schools and local residents are taken into consideration.
• The Drysdale/Clifton Springs Sports Precinct Master Plan contains staged development recommendations that will significantly enhance this undeveloped reserve and will ensure the Recreation and Open Space needs of its continued role in the Drysdale/Clifton Springs community are met.

Recommendation

That Council endorse the Drysdale/Clifton Springs Sports Precinct Master Plan.

Update: At its meeting held on 24 May, the City of Great Geelong endorsed the Drysdale/Clifton Springs Sports Precinct Master Plan.

Aldi Drysdale Planning Documents

I founds these planning documents on the Department for Planning and Community Development website today

Not sure where it is at.

Proposed ALDI Store - Drysdale: 6-26 Murradoc Road, Drysdale

An Advisory Committee was appointed by the Minister for Planning to provide advice on the suitability of the above site in Drysdale for development of a proposed Aldi store, including the appropriateness of any rezoning and/ or permit application as required.

Advisory Committee Report and permit conditions - The Advisory Committee submitted its report to the Minister on 24 June 2010.

The documents associated with the Proposed ALDI Store - Drysdale report are available.