One ALDI out as two backed

Kim Waters
Geelong councillors have shot down plans for an ALDI supermarket in Geelong West.
But they have thrown their weight behind the budget supermarket chain’s plans to open stores at Highton and Drysdale.
Council withdrew its support for a planning scheme amendment to allow the Geelong West ALDI on the corner of Shannon Avenue and Albert Street.
Councillor Jan Farrell said the proposal was “contrary” to the intent of an Ashby precinct heritage review and would worsen traffic problems in the area.
She said ALDI had lodged its planning permit application in a “seemingly devious manner”.
Cr Farrell also had “no faith” Planning Minister Justin Madden’s advisory committee would make the right decision on the ALDI application.
“We cannot destroy heritage buildings for the sake of development, especially with the amount of work gone into protecting the area.”
Cr Bruce Harwood said ALDI “missed the mark” with the Geelong West proposal.
He admitted to also being “not overly-thrilled” about the proposed site at Highton, adjacent to Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre.
“It is one, if not the, busiest intersection in Geelong,” he said.
“This will be an interesting test for traffic. It will be a very, very congested area.”
Councillors supported revised plans for the Drysdale site, including relocating the building further West, increasing parking spaces and allowing space for three additional shops.
The proposal drew opposition from some residents on traffic grounds but lobby group Bellarine Futures believed the proposal provided ample parking as well as additional shopping opportunities and competition between supermarkets.
The proposal will now go to Mr Madden’s advisory committee for approval.