Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj has spoken out in support of community members opposing a proposed Coles supermarket at the gateway to Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff.
The mayor’s comments come after a community meeting on Tuesday, September 9 at Point Lonsdale bowls club, which saw more than 400 people gather to voice their opposition to a Coles store.
Due to its scale, the development would bypass municipal planning processes, instead going straight to Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny.
Mayor Kontelj said the City of Greater Geelong had “listened to community concerns and today (September 12) taken action to urge the state government to immediately review” the proposal.
“On behalf of the City and the community, I have written to the Minister for Planning, the Hon. Sonya Kilkenny, outlining the significant concerns identified in the supermarket’s pre-application materials for the site at 2341–2349 Bellarine Highway,” he said.
“The community fears it will undermine the character of Point Lonsdale and Queenscliffe, impact local businesses, and compromise the sensitive environmental setting.
“I share their concerns and have asked the minister for a genuine assessment of alternative, more suitable locations.”
Mayor Kontelj outlined a range of specific concerns held by City officers and community members, including the undermining of existing small businesses, lack of net community benefit, environmental impacts and inadequate infrastructure.
“We urge the state government to give serious consideration to the concerns raised by both the City and the community during this pre-application period to ensure that planning outcomes reflect the values and aspirations of our region,” he said.
Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant also released a statement on Wednesday (September 10), saying she had “heard from many residents who have shared their concerns with me directly”.
“At this stage, there is no planning application before the minister,” Ms Marchant said.
“Coles is currently engaged in the pre-application process, which allows a proponent to engage with the Department of Planning to determine whether a proposal is eligible for the Development Facilitation Program. The department will then provide advice based on that assessment.
“Please be assured that I am monitoring this matter closely and will continue to respect and support the community’s position.”
