Council anger at state ‘snub’

John Van Klaveren
STATE Government snubbed Geelong’s council when announcing approval for an ALDI supermarket in Geelong West, according to a councillor.
Barbara Abley said the Government announced its green light for the development in media releases before even notifying City of Greater Geelong.
The decision hamstrung a proposed council heritage control for the area.
The Government also announced ALDI stores for Highton and Drysdale, with the company’s $6.5 million investment in the three supermarkets to create 180 jobs.
Cr Abley said the first councillors and City Hall officers knew of the announcement was when journalists called seeking comment.
“Nobody from the Minister’s Office has bothered to make contact. As yet, council and the City have not received any informal or formal notification,” Cr Abley said.
“Why did we have to learn from individual journalists about the minister’s decision to green light all ALDI projects within our municipality?”
Cr Abley said the lack of communication reflected the Government’s handling of the ALDI application.
“Minister Madden made it plain in a letter to our CEO earlier this year that it would be expected that the City of Greater Geelong would accept his decision to personally handle the multiple application of the ALDI giant conglomerate in the guise of economic benefit and choice.
“There was no discussion, limiting community engagement with the exception of one of his specially constructed independent panels.
“Further, the Department of Planning and Community Development directed that the proposed ALDI store site in Albert Street (Geelong West) should be excluded from the heritage controls proposed in the original Ashby heritage amendment because of the minister’s interest.
“This site was subject to a separate Ministerial process. Council ignored this directive and chose to be guided by the wishes of the community.
“What a wasted opportunity to do something really innovative on this site instead of the usual bog-standard, ugly box supermarket which will stand out like the proverbial sore toe among heritage-listed homes.”
Cr Abley said Mr Madden had “tossed out” council’s interim heritage control because ALDI could not or would not incorporate it into the development.
“The Geelong West community has strongly expressed its concerns about the impact on safety matters, traffic issues, devaluing of properties and negative community impact.
“I urge all concerned residents to contact their local MPs to discuss this matter and to record their dissatisfaction with yet another of the planning decision debacles emanating from Melbourne.”
Member for Geelong Ian Trezise said the lack of communication with council was disappointing.
“If that’s the case, it’s a disappointment. Councillors should be provided with the information.”
Mr Trezise said he was aware of some local concerns but they had to be countered with the “significant economic and consumer benefit, jobs and competition”.
“A number of stringent conditions have been placed on the permit and will need to be fulfilled with council.
“Some of those conditions, I believe, will satisfy the vast majority of those concerns.”