Lonsdale lakes bid

Jessica Benton
LOCAL environment groups have asked Environment Minister Peter Garrett to axe the controversial Stockland development at Lonsdale Lakes.
Geelong Environment Council and Point Lonsdale Coastal Spaces Group wrote to Mr Garrett, outlining the possible destruction of protected wetlands and migratory wading birds, such as the endangered orange-bellied parrot, if the proposed development was approved.
Stockland proposed to build 598 residential allotments, a retirement village and an aged-care facility on the site.
Geelong’s council initially approved the plan in early 2006 but then-Planning Minister Rob Hulls rejected it because it did not comply with State Government policy on restricting coastal development.
A panel hearing will be held in May to hear public submissions about the revised development.
GEC president Joan Lindros said the letter was sent about 10 days ago.
“The letter is recommending this area be added to the RAMSAR list of the Bellarine and Port Phillip area,” she said.
“We’re asking Mr Garrett to look at it urgently and we’re hoping to meet with him and put our case forward.
“A RAMSAR listing would mean we’ve got this special place right on our doorsteps that is recognised worldwide.”
A RAMSAR listing would block Stockland’s proposed development, she said.
Ms Lindros said she was confident of Mr Garrett’s support.
“We recently had an ecological study done of that area which showed the significance of the wetlands. That report was sent with the letter,” she said.
“Now that the values of the area have been lifted, I’m very confident Mr Garrett will see the importance of the wetlands.
“His support will then be forwarded to the RAMSAR authority overseas before a final decision is made.”
Coastal Spaces spokesman David Mitchell said council’s environmental management strategy aimed to expand the RAMSAR boundaries to protect the “internationally significant” chain of wetlands between Point Lonsdale and Ocean Grove.
A spokeswoman for Mr Garrett said environmental concerns would be a key factor in determining the outcome of the development.
“The minister’s decision will take into account any impact on matters of national environmental significance, including wetlands of international importance,” she said.
Stockland had not returned calls for comment before the Independent went to press.