Council has
voted not to give in principle support for the development of a Kaufland store
in Highton, expressing concern with the choice of location, potential traffic
impacts and impact on neighbouring residents.
The proposed store would be built at 140-156 Colac Road, on the northern side
of Colac Road and west of South Valley Road.
It would include a large supermarket, bottle shop and mall area housing other
specialty shops. The plans also include a total of 436 car spaces.
For the development to go ahead, Kaufland will need a planning scheme amendment
to be approved by the state Minister for Planning.
A Kaufland Stores in Victoria Advisory Committee appointed by the Minister will
consider public submissions on the proposal.
City of Greater Geelong staff will present a submission to the committee
reflecting the council’s position, including:
- Concerns about
vehicle access from Colac and South Valley Roads, the potential impact on
traffic, and the need to discuss this further with Regional Roads Victoria and
council officers; - Concerns with the
choice of site, including impact on neighbours; - The need for the
flood prone nature of the site to be properly considered and addressed; - Suggested changes
to the urban design and layout of the store, including reducing the extent of
‘cut’ into the slope and moving the building closer to Colac Road; and - The need for
landscaping of the car parking area, including stormwater treatment, canopy
cover and other Environmentally Sustainable Design principles.
Councillors did note that the store would create 80-100 ongoing local jobs and
provide more choice for consumers if it went ahead.
The City of Greater Geelong has no authority over the final decision.
Councillor Trent Sullivan, Chair, Planning portfolio
As chair of the Planning portfolio, I hold concerns about the proposed site
for the Kaufland store.While I’m in favour of bringing greater consumer choice and employment
opportunities to Geelong, there needs to be serious consideration about the
suitability of the location and lack of community consultation.
Councillor Ron Nelson – Kardinia ward
I welcome Kaufland to Geelong. I support the development and the
possibility of attracting more competition to the region.However, as a resident of the area I am concerned about the proposed site
location, lack of community and council consultation and potential impacts on
neighbouring properties, traffic and access.Ultimately the decision rests with the state government but I hope the
community’s concerns are considered.
