Port’s ‘jobs hope’: Big brands ‘eyeing development’

By Michelle Herbison
BP will operate a 24-hour petrol station and car wash at Portarlington as part of a major development in the town, according to developer John Lascaris.
Lascaris Designs was also in discussions with “half a dozen or so” national tenants in auto care, tyre services, building products and pet food supply services to set up business on the site, he said.
Mr Lascaris hoped to begin construction on the corner of Tower and Queenscliff Rds in 2013.
He released images of the development plan to the Independent this week.
The Independent reported in July that Lascaris Designs planned a 26-factory warehouse complex, a petrol station and a car wash on the 1.2-hectare site.
The proposal made redundant plans for a community-run depot to resume fuel supplies in Portarlington.
Mr Lascaris said his company was amending council-approved plans to suit prospective tenants.
“There’s no other petrol station within Portarlington, St Leonards or Indented Head, so this is obviously something the community really, really requires,” he said.
Mr Lascaris expected the potential for jobs and economic growth in the area would be “greatly received”.
“I think once the petrol station is placed in that location it’ll open up opportunities for other businesses such as mechanics, auto care, tyre services, building products, materials, and basic industrial-type outlets.”
Mr Lascaris said his project featured modern buildings with a “business-industrial-corporate” design.
“We’ve moved away from the old tin shed.”
Mr Lascaris suggested tradesmen working at AV Jennings’ adjacent Arlington Rise development could use his on-site warehouses to store materials and equipment or as their business premises.
Portarlington Business Deve-lopment Association’s John Rae was “absolutely delighted” with the plans.
The petrol station could help boost tourist shopping in Portarlington over Christmas, he said.
Boat owners were currently driving to Drysdale for petrol where they remained for other shopping.
“If they stay in Portarlington to buy fuel they will hopefully be able to shop in Portarlington, too.”
Mr Rae also predicted work opportunities for young people.
“He’s trying to attract people like Bob Jane T-Marts, Repco and pet food suppliers. Part-time work will pop out of this for some people.”