Geelong eyes new residents, shoppers: City looking west

By John Van Klaveren
GEELONG will target Mel-bourne’s west for population and economic growth over the next 40 years, according to new draft plans.
G21 Alliance’s regional growth plan and economic development strategy have pinpointed Melbourne’s fast-growing western suburbs as critical to Geelong’s development.
G21 chief Elaine Carbines said the plans declared Geelong open for business.
“We want to show everyone we have a proactive and supportive culture to grow existing business and to attract new business to the region.”
The growth plan earmarked land at Lovely Banks and Bell Post Hill for residential development.
The Independent reported last month that State Government had “ticked off” an 8000-block land release for Lovely Banks following a 4500-lot announcement for Lara.
“We know we’re competing with the west of Melbourne if we want to grow to 500,000 by 2050,” Ms Carbines said.
City Hall economic development head Terry Demeo said Geelong should offer an alternative to western Melbourne residents and businesses.
“We want to have the west of Melbourne look at Geelong as an alternative to Melbourne city for a range of needs, including employment, health and education.”
The plan said Melbourne’s western growth corridor along with planning for a regional rail link and outer-metropolitan ring road would “forge stronger connections” with Geelong.
However, the plan included a “key settlement break” north of Lara to protect grasslands, wetlands and farming activities.
Key elements of the plans included:
Growing with infill and shared development rather than outward developments;
Targeted growth at Winchelsea (10,000) and Colac (20,000);
Education, research and employment “hubs” in Waurn Ponds’ south and Deakin University
Development of a national transport and logistics precinct around Avalon Airport and Geelong’s port and ring road employment precinct; and
Completion of the ring road with connections to the Surf Coast, Bellarine Peninsula, Bannockburn and Colac.
The draft plans are available at G21.com.au, with the consultation open until May 18.