The Geelong Council agenda for Tuesday 13 November 2012 has as agenda item 1 the proposed boundary realignment affecting Drysdale, Clifton Springs and Curlewis. Below is the extract from the agenda. - The complete agenda item is available in pdf format on the City of Greater Geelong's website.
1. PROPOSED BOUNDARY REALIGNMENT - DRYSDALE / CLIFTON SPRINGS & CURLEWIS
Portfolio: Democracy & Governance
Source: Corporate Services - Financial Services
General Manager: Jeff Wall
Index Reference: Subject/Roads, Footpaths & Streets
• Council considered a report on 8 May 2012 regarding a proposed boundaryrealignment of Drysdale, Clifton Springs and Curlewis and noted:
i) The commencement of a process of investigation and consultation to realign the locality boundaries between Drysdale, Clifton Springs and Curlewis.
ii) A further report be presented to Council with recommendations for adoption, following completion of the consultation process.
• Community consultation has occurred via correspondence and two public meetings held on 8 and 15 August 2012.
• In response to community sentiment a compromise position has been investigated for areas 1 and 2 relative to the original proposal.
• The adoption of the amended boundary realignment recommendations will commence the formal process to complete the boundary realignment in accordance with Geographic Naming requirements.
That Council resolves that:
1) Following an extensive process of investigation and consultation that the original proposed boundary realignments be amended whilst complying with Guidelines for Geographic Names 2010.
2) The boundary realignment proposal for area 1 be amended and described as follows:
Area 1 – Drysdale / Clifton Springs
To extend the boundary at the rear of the property known as 52 Delungra Avenue in an easterly direction to the south east corner of 54A Delungra Avenue, then continue the boundary north to intersect with the existing boundary at the rear of the property known as 7 Wintersun Court (Appendix 1-2).
3) Defer Area 2 boundary realignment (Appendix 1-3) on the basis that the proposed boundary was rejected by the majority of residents. Any future boundary realignment would be in response to potential land subdivision and take into account realignment options suggested by residents.
4) The boundary realignment for area 3, whereby the eastern boundary of Curlewis be moved eastward to run south along Jetty Road to intersect with the Geelong-Portarlington Road (Appendix 1-4), be confirmed.
5) The boundary realignment for area 4, whereby the eastern boundary of Curlewis be moved eastward to run south along Grubb Road to intersect with the current Wallington alignment (Appendix 1-4), be confirmed.
6) The boundary realignment process be completed in accordance with Geographic Naming requirements.
Councils are responsible for allocating geographic locality boundaries. On 16 February 2012, Council received advice from the Registrar of Geographic Names requesting that Council proceed with a boundary realignment between Drysdale and Clifton Springs, west of the Geelong–Portarlington Road, in the interests of public safety.
Principal 3(A) of the Guidelines for Geographic Names 2010 stipulates that locality boundary should align with the cadastral fabric, road centre lines or easily distinguishable topographical features. In accordance with Section 3.2.1 of the guidelines, the Registrar may request Council to amend a locality boundary in the interests of public safety. Council must respond within 30 days and action the request within one council meeting of the initial response.
The locality boundary between Clifton Springs and Drysdale, west of the Geelong-Portarlington Road, passes through numerous properties in Wintersun Court and Narawi Avenue which is creating particular confusion for emergency and communication services (Appendix 1-2). It was considered timely to include a review of Curlewis, Clifton Springs and Drysdale boundaries, including Jetty Road and the areas south of the Geelong-Portarlington Road, west of Grubb Road at the same time.
Ambulance Victoria has emphasised the need for correct locality to avoid confusion in an emergency response situation. In this case, the locality boundary does not comply with Principal 3(A) – A locality boundary should align with the cadastral fabric, road centre lines or easily distinguishable topographical features.
The Registrar has been advised that any changes to locality boundaries should take into account significant urban growth within the localities and a realignment of boundaries should include a review of Curlewis, Clifton Springs and Drysdale boundaries.
Council resolved on 8 May 2012 to commence a process of investigation and consultation to realign the locality boundaries between Drysdale, Clifton Springs and Curlewis.
The four proposals the public were invited to comment on are as follows:
Area 1 – the current eastern boundary of Clifton Springs alignment to be extended along Whitcombes Road to intersect with the Geelong–Portarlington Road intersection then continue north easterly along this roadway.
This zone has the highest priority for realignment, given instruction received from the Registrar of Geographic Names.
Area 2 – to extend part of the southern boundary of Clifton Springs, to run south along Jetty Road, east on Wyndham Street, north on Barrands Lane, east on Nash Avenue then north along Clifton Springs Road (Appendix 1-3).
At present, a section of the boundary cuts through several parcels, another section passes through the back of titles and in future may potentially pass through the centre of a proposed retirement village.
Area 3 – the eastern boundary of Curlewis be moved eastward to run south along Jetty Road to intersect with the Geelong-Portarlington Road (Appendix 1-4). The current boundary cuts through several property titles. Additionally, a residential development is occurring west of Jetty Road. Moving the locality boundary to align with the Jetty Road centre line will best represent this growth and comply with the Guidelines for Geographic Names 2010.
Area 4 – the eastern boundary of Curlewis be moved eastward to run south along Grubb Road to intersect with the current Wallington alignment (Appendix 1-4).
Once again, the current boundary cuts through several property titles. Therefore, moving the locality boundary to align with Grubb Road will comply with the Guidelines for Geographic Names 2010 by aligning the boundary to a road and allow for future growth that may occur.
The proposed new alignments comply with Principal 3(A) of the Department of Sustainability and Environment Guidelines for Geographic Names 2010.
During May and June, letters were sent to affected residents inviting feedback and completion of a survey by 26 June on the boundary realignment proposals. Cr Rod Macdonald and Jeff Wall (General Manager – Corporate Services) met with some residents on 28 June to answer specific questions.
In July, local Ministers of Parliament were also notified about the proposed realignment.
Survey responses were collated and two information sessions held at the Potato Shed in Drysdale on 8 and 15 August 2012. These sessions were well attended by the local residents. Councillors Rod Macdonald and Cr John Doull were present. The meeting outlined the boundary realignment proposals for the four areas, explaining why they were recommended, provided a summary of survey results and addressed resident concerns. Public discussion took place with particular focus on areas 1 and 2, including alternatives suggested by residents. Karl Morrison (Geospatial Information Services Officer) and Terry Marshall (Ambulance Victoria, Barwon Group Manager) were also invited to speak at the information sessions and assisted answering questions raised by residents.
The table below summarises survey responses received:
| Area | Invited Comments | Agree with Proposal | Do Not Agree with proposal | No response received |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 210 | 41 | 59 | 110 |
| 2 | 356 | 16 | 255 | 85 |
| 3 | 124 | 36 | 9 | 79 |
| 4 | 12 | 2 | 2 | 8 |
Significant responses were received for areas 1 and 2 suggesting a number of alternative options. A signed petition was also received from affected residents in area 1.
The following summarises resident concerns:
| Area | Resident Concerns |
|---|---|
| 1 |
|
| 2 |
|
| 3 & 4 |
|
Councillors and officers met internally on 10 September to decide the best options, with the following recommendations:
Area 1 – Amend original proposal to read:
"To extend the boundary at the rear of the property known as 52 Delungra Avenue in an easterly direction to the south east corner of 54A Delungra Avenue, then continue the boundary north to intersect with the existing boundary at the rear of the property known as 7 Wintersun Court." Refer Appendix 1-2.
This realignment will remove 167 properties from Drysdale to become Clifton Springs. This represents a compromised position and has been reached as per resident's concerns and petition.
Due to a proposed subdivision to the east of this new boundary line, a risk exists where Delungra Avenue will extend through two suburbs, namely Clifton Springs and Drysdale. This would repeat the current anomaly existing whereby a number of properties in Wintersun Court and Narawi Avenue cross over two suburbs.
Council officers will continue to discuss the proposed plan of subdivision with the property owner to ensure an acceptable outcome. It is essential that if there is no proposed access from Portarlington Road to the subdivision, that access from Delungra Avenue, Clifton Springs continues via a new road name into Drysdale.
This amended proposal enables Council to realign the boundary along the fence-line of the properties as requested by the majority of affected Drysdale residents and is in accordance with residents petition dated 4 August 2012. This amended realignment would meet the Guidelines for Geographic Names 2010.
Area 2 – This proposal caused the most opposition from residents and is rejected as inappropriate. It is recommended not to continue with alternative proposals and to defer this boundary realignment. It is relevant that the proposed subdivision off Central Road for a retirement village has been delayed.
Area 3 – Proceed with proposal to move the eastern boundary of Curlewis eastward to run south along Jetty Road to intersect with the Geelong-Portarlington Road (Appendix 1-4).
Area 4 – proceed with proposal to move the eastern boundary of Curlewis eastward to run south along Grubb Road to intersect with the current Wallington alignment (Appendix 1-4).
There are no environmental issues arising from this report.
Council offers a standard assistance package to residents when their property address is altered. This assistance package consists of 10 postage paid envelopes and 10 change of address forms. Other assistance may be offered on a case by case basis.
These costs will be within operating budget levels.
The Geographic Place Names Act 1998, the Guidelines for Geographic Names 2010 and Council Policy have been followed and met.
There is no officer direct or indirect interest in this report.
Council's proposal to realign these boundaries will minimise the risk of emergency services not being able to locate newly created properties.
The realignment of these boundaries will allow for easy identification to the public and utility services in case of an emergency.
Submissions received will be responded to in accordance with recommendations contained in this report. Council's website will also outline recommendations contained in this report.
