Council
wants to see an Independent Panel established to consider a proposal to
facilitate residential development in Drysdale.
At
a meeting on Tuesday night, Council resolved to request the Minister for Planning to
appoint an Independent Panel to consider Amendment C363.
The
proposed amendment seeks to rezone 28 Rural Living zoned properties on either
side of Central Road, Drysdale to support about 550 residential dwellings.
The
proposed amendment received 71 public submissions after it was exhibited during
September and October last year.
Of
those, 21 were objections from residents of Marsh Court, who were against the
proposed Marsh Court road connection to the proposed residential estate.
After
reviewing the submissions, the City recommends removing the proposed road
connection to Marsh Court and replacing it with a linear reserve for
pedestrian, bicycle and stormwater drainage use.
The
City also supports removing the application of GST costings from the draft
Central Road Drysdale Development Contributions Plan (DCP).
The
DCP identifies $10 million in new infrastructure is required as part of the
proposed development.
Identified
infrastructure includes the upgrade of Jetty Road and new local parks, open
space trails and drainage basins.
Among
the proposed projects is a public link between McLeods Waterholes and Griggs
Creek, which would be revegetated with local plant species.
A
development contribution will also be directed to the new Drysdale Regional
Community and Learning Hub, which will replace the existing library and senior
citizens centre.
All
submissions – and the City’s response to the submissions – would be referred to
the panel, which is scheduled to begin hearing in April.
Greater Geelong Mayor Stephanie Asher
The
council supports the continuation of the consultation process, which is where
the proposed amendment is considered by an independent panel. We
are very aware of the community views and this process gives more opportunity
for people to submit their views to the panel before it comes back to council
for decision.
Cr Trent Sullivan, Chair, Planning
portfolio
In
order to consider all the public feedback, the amendment needs to be reviewed
by an independent panel. All
community members who provided feedback are encouraged to contribute to the
process, so the panel can best understand the issues and concerns.
