By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
GEELONG’S council has revoked a planning scheme flood overlay on an Armstrong Creek estate but imposed another on Newcomb, Whittington, Corio and Portarlington.
Cr Bruce Harwood said the growth area’s Coast estate was no longer considered flood-prone after earthworks including the reshaping of Armstrong Creek.
But Newcomb resident and former Bellarine council president Mick Robinson labelled the overlays at Newcomb and Whittington “an absolute joke”.
“They’re all developed houses in this area. There’s no actual physical evidence of any flooding, it’s just all on paper.
“I’ve been here 50 years and I’ve never seen a bloody flood.
Mr Robinson said the overlays imposed “unnecessary expense” on property owners.
“Insurance premiums will go up. If landowners want to subdivide blocks now the expense is unbelievable.”
Mr Robinson said he spoke to City Hall officers about his concerns but “no one could tell me anything”.
“There’s been extensive drainage work for St Albans Park and Whittington and major drainage has been completed though the Moolap area, so it doesn’t make sense.”
