Drysdale group: Put us on the tracks

MICHELLE HERBISON
DRYSDALE should become the hub of the Bellarine Peninsula with a rail link to Geelong, according to a community group.
Drysdale Clifton Springs Community Association president Doug Carson said the group would push for a rail line revival connecting Drysdale to other towns and Geelong.
“The old rail tracks from Geelong to Drysdale aren’t there but the space is all still available. Places like Ocean Grove, Portarlington and St Leonards could have links through Drysdale that then go through to Geelong.”
Mr Carson said the association would recommend the rail line as part of a regional growth strategy for the region.
Councils alliance group G21 is drawing up the strategy with three options: “growing in” for urban consolidation in Geelong; “shared growth” for spreading development between Geelong and nearby population centres; and “growing out” to connect Geelong and nearby centres with development.
Mr Carson said the community association preferred “shared growth” because it would encourage sustainable communities outside Geelong.
“Drysdale is targeted as a growth area, so they need to build infrastructure to support the community. Most people who live here want to be here but they currently have to travel so far for decent and meaningful jobs.
“We need decent roads, a train system, public transport and more education.”
Queenscliff Community Association president Joan Kenwood said the G21 strategy must protect green spaces between the region’s towns.
“We need space for grazing, farming and parkland, not just one big development.”
Point Lonsdale Civic Association president Barney Orchard feared the strategy would become just a “talk-fest”.
“There have been continual disappointing changes to proposals over the years. We’ve always believed in sustainable development but communities around the Bellarine have been treated more like satellites and development opportunities.”