Stockland bid moves ahead

Jessica Benton
A controversial plan for a residential development at Point Lonsdale is set to move ahead after Geelong councillors voted in favour of the project this week.
Councillors voted 5-3 to send Stockland’s Lonsdale Lakes application to state Planning Minister Justin Madden for approval.
The proposal to accommodate almost 2000 residents has drawn criticism from environmentalists and neighbouring Borough of Queenscliffe’s council.
The development comprises 598 residential allotments, a 170-unit retirement village, a 120-bed aged care facility, a community centre and shops.
Geelong councillor Andrew Katos said Lonsdale Lakes’ impact on Queenscliff’s economy would be “extraordinary”.
However, Cr John Doull, who was a member of the previous borough council, said his colleagues should “err on the side of caution” when voting on the proposal.
“This is a very complex and highly controversial issue,” he said.
“There’s a high degree of uncertainty, risk and legal implications. A lot of what we do is tick things off but about five per cent of what we do is critical and this is one of them.
“Councillors are putting their name to this and there may be repercussions they’ll be associated with.”
Cr Barbara Abley labelled the development “the Venice of the Bellarine”, saying residents would require gondolas to negotiate its waterways.
Council’s vote angered environmentalists and residents who have fought the development for years.
Geelong Environment Council president Joan Lindros said councillors sent the development application to Mr Madden without “in-depth debate”.
“We’re very disappointed,” she said.
“I don’t think councillors know all of the issues and implications. I can’t believe council would approve for residential development an area with a high risk of flooding.
“Council is totally aware of this risk and knows it has to let every prospective buyer know the possibility of flooding.”
Borough councillors voted unanimously against Stockland’s plan last week.
Mayor Bob Merriman likened the Lonsdale Lakes project to an Apollo Bay development proposal that Mr Madden rejected last week because it was deemed a flood plain.