An independent panel, appointed by the Minister for Planning, will consider submissions from the community about Amendment C436ggee in February 2024.
The combined amendment and planning permit relates to the proposed construction of 84 apartments as part of stage five of the Balmoral Quay development in Rippleside. Formerly known as the Rippleside Shipyards, the site at 1 and 11 Harbourside Drive is 400 metres from North Geelong Station and the Princes Highway.
It proposes to change the maximum permitted building height from 13.5 metres to 27 metres (28.3 metres to the top of services) with a reduction in car parking.
Council last night referred the 173 community submissions, including a petition with 419 signatures, onto the panel after public exhibition of the amendment in August and September this year.
Of these, 167 submissions objected to the proposal and six submissions either supported, did not object or provided comments only.
Concerns about traffic, character, building scale/height and overshadowing to Rippleside Park were consistent themes raised in submissions which the City has since responded to.
While the City acknowledges that increased traffic and hazards could reasonably be accommodated into the road network, it recommended that an independent traffic expert witness be engaged to appropriately address concerns.
Council endorsed the recommendation, with an expert set to be engaged to review the amendment and provide traffic related evidence at the panel hearing.
Mayor Trent Sullivan
All submissions will be considered by the independent panel.
It’s important everyone has a chance to be heard and that’s why submitters can also appear at the panel hearing to have their say.
The role of the independent panel ensures that we continue to have an open and accountable process.
Councillor Peter Murrihy
We appreciate your feedback and insights on this proposed amendment and look forward to hearing the independent panel’s recommendations.
The City will also work to further resolve issues in the lead up to the scheduled hearing early next year.
