Down the drain: Residents fight charges up to $250,000

MICHELLE HERBISON
CHARGES of up to $250,000 for a drain have pitted Drysdale residents against council at Victoria’s planning tribunal.
Drysdale Clifton Springs Community Association’s Patrick Hughes said many objectors were unable to pay the special charge scheme.
“A lot of the people are self-funded retirees. For them, a sudden bill for ten grand is a real bolt from the blue,” Mr Hughes said.
“The ones opposed to the scheme have lived there for years and will maybe even spend their dying days there.”
City of Greater Geelong initially informed residents around Central Rd almost two years ago that they would owe between $2000 and $250,000 per property for the drain to service a new retirement village.
The Independent later revealed that some residents were considering selling their homes, fearing they would be unable to pay.
Council voted to impose the special charge on 42 properties last January despite 14 objections.
City of Greater Geelong said retirement village developer Pinnacle Living would pay $348,829 toward the project, while council would contribute $65,884.
Mr Hughes accused council of failing to consult residents on the special charge.
“Whatever its outcome, the VCAT hearing will show that the council has been levying special charges on residents without any regard for their ability to pay and without providing any evidence that residents will gain any benefits from them.”
Portarlington’s Cheryl Hardy, the leader of the appeal to Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, declined to comment until after the hearing.
The City’s Gary Van Driel said council had agreed after negotiations with property owners to only levy the charge when properties were sold or developed.
Ward councillor Rod Macdonald said the land around Central Rd was “earmarked for future development”.
“The City has deemed the special charge necessary for current and future development of the area. Developable land with a drainage scheme is worth more than a property without a drainage scheme in place.”
Cr Macdonald said existing owners could defer the charge if their properties remained undeveloped.
“It is the vendors’ responsibility when they sell to come to an arrangement on the money that’s due.”