More time for say on state’s housing

John Van Klaveren
RESIDENTS have won more time to have their say on plans for public and affordable housing including blocks of units up to four storeys high at Norlane.
A State Government spokesperson said residents would soon be advised they now had until August 27 to lodge submissions.
The consultation period was initially scheduled to finish at the end of this month.
The Government must advertise the plans because it has to amend Geelong’s planning scheme for the project to go ahead.
The $32 million plan includes 60 public houses and 100 affordable homes.
Objectors have a Facebook page called Norlane Sardine Housing Project with 145 friends. They have gathered more than 50 signatures on a petition and have been doorknocking residents in two precincts earmarked for the project.
One precinct centres on Camelia Cres and the other on Warrawee Ave.
Objector Michael McDonald said most of the houses in the precincts were privately owned.
“We’re worried about what the future holds,” he said.
Mr McDonald said residents were also angry at having to deal with the Government rather than their council on a planning issue.
“We pay our rates to the City of Greater Geelong, so the City should shoulder this responsibility.”
Government spokesperson Rebecca Tucker said all plans were still conceptual, with nothing concrete.
”We want feedback from the community in shaping this important project.”
A Department of Planning and Community Development website said the Planning Minister would consider submissions received by August 27 before making a decision.