Residents demand say during 4C link review

Kim Waters
GROVEDALE residents are demanding to have their say in a review of Geelong’s bypass link to Surf Coast Highway after “missing out” the first time around.
South Grovedale Community Action Group’s Margarita Kumnik said residents gave new MP Andrew Katos a “list of issues” for State Government to consider when drafting terms of reference for the review of the 4C link route.
“We asked that people on the advisory committee not be the same ones who were on the independent planning panel last year,” Ms Kumnik said.
“We’ve also requested that the committee hearings are open to the public and held in Geelong with submissions available to see on-line.”
Ms Kumnick said residents also wanted the committee to know that reports recommending the alignment to the previous Brumby Government were biased.
New Planning Minister Matthew Guy had promised to organise an independent advisory panel to review the road’s route south of Grovedale.
Residents living near the proposed 4C route at Grovedale and Waurn Ponds have opposed the link on noise and traffic grounds. They prefer a route on Boundary Road, further away from their homes.
The residents labelled the previous consultation process as a “sham” designed to benefit Armstrong Creek developers at the expense of their property values.
Mr Katos said he hoped for the review to begin “relatively quickly” after Mr Guy had completed the terms of reference and appointed the panel.
“I will see the Planning Minister again this week and will check on the progress then,” Mr Katos said.