Process ‘failed link objectors’

Kim Waters
GEELONG councillors have admitted bungling community consultation on controversial plans for a bypass link at Grovedale.
They voted this week to ask VicRoads to start work on the 4C link with one lane in either direction on the route’s southern side so traffic would be as far as possible from houses.
Council would also ask VicRoads to ensure noise barriers were in place before any work started on the northern side to reach the eventual target of six lanes.
Emotional residents screamed insults at councillors during Tuesday night’s meeting and another cried as he pleaded with council to “act honourably”.
Residents have accused authorities of failing to notify them the 4.5-kilometre bypass link to Surf Coast Highway would run alongside their homes. South Grovedale Community Action Group’s spokesperson said information sent to residents had failed to mention the 4C bypass link.
Cr Stretch Kontelj admitted he had also overlooked information about the link in a letter mailed to Grovedale residents.
The consultation process “wasn’t as good as it should be”, he said.
“Let’s not be insulting to the people by suggesting council is satisfied with the project,” Cr Kontelj said.
“I’ve been on council long enough to know something has gone wrong here. We wouldn’t have the community up in arms in this way if that wasn’t the case.”
Cr Kontelj said council should not “accept responsibility” for moving the link away from Grovedale homes.
“State Government is driving the ring road,” he said.
“I believe we should work together to do what we can.”
Cr Barbara Abley agreed with Cr Kontelj, saying council had failed to “hit the nail on the mark” with consultation over the bypass link.
Cr Andy Richards said the proposed route would remain unchanged despite VicRoads extending a submissions period until August 18.
“To say the road can be moved is to lead people up the garden path in the worst possible way (which) is especially the case for people such as Cr Andrew Katos who has previously supported the current alignment.”
Cr Katos hoped council could negotiate with VicRoads.
“This could be a situation where the alignment can be moved,” he said.