The City will encourage the state
government to investigate alternative locations for a train stabling and
maintenance facility in Waurn Ponds.
Council has voted to make a
submission to Amendment GC104 after Rail Projects Victoria (RPV) requested a
change to the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme. RPV wants to compulsorily
acquire 61 hectares of privately-owned farm land at 255 Reservoir Road, Waurn
Ponds to stable and maintain more than 25 trains.
The City
believes the proposed acquisition, development and use of the 24/7 facility
would significantly affect the historic farm’s operation and needs to be
carefully considered. An acquisition would divide
the farm in two, with the house, sheds and other facilities being split from
the main sheep paddocks.
The City’s
submission will request RPV expands the Advisory Committee Terms of Reference
to review all available site options for the facility. It will request an
assessment of all potential site options is made publicly available, to give
stakeholders the chance to weigh up the pros and cons of various sites.
The City will also request the Advisory Committee hearing scheduled for October
is deferred, to allow for an extended period for the community to have its say.
The submission will request RPV makes every effort to minimise the
impact on the local community, including potential off-site noise, light and
visual impacts.
The City recognises and supports the need for a train stabling and
maintenance facility west of the Waurn Ponds Railway Station. The facility
would allow for improved services on the Geelong line, as the region’s
population continues to grow.
Amendment GC104 is onpublic exhibition until 16 September. 2019
Councillor Bruce Harwood – Mayor
While we recognise this train stabling
facility is very important to improve services for Geelong, we think
alternative locations should also be strongly explored, and clear reasons given
for any non-preferred site.
Councillor Ron
Nelson – Kardinia ward
We
recognise the need for a train stabling facility in the Waurn Ponds area, which
would make a significant difference for commuters on the Geelong line.However,
I’ve visited the family farm a couple of times and I don’t believe this is the
right location. While this is a state government decision, council is committed
to providing assistance and support to stakeholders by making a submission.
It’s important to get this right the first time.
