By NOEL MURPHY
GEELONG Mayor Darryn Lyons is on a collision course with angry residents desperate to fight new high-rise residential zonings across Geelong.
The controversial four-storey zonings could become a hot election issue for Geelong’s marginal seats at this year’s state poll after anxious protesters descended on a council meeting to voice their disapproval.
But Cr Lyons has advocated city buildings heights “a mile high” while objectors argue Geelong’s unique lifestyle and amenity will be torn apart.
Groups across Belmont, Newtown and Geelong West are up in arms at the prospect of three and four-storey apartment blocks next door or in heritage areas.
Council has sent the proposed rezonings to a State Government-appointed panel for review.
Residents, fearing the rezonings are a fait accompli, are organising legal fighting funds.
Geelong MP Ian Tresize said the proposed rezonings had caused “a lot of anger and frustration”.
Cr Trezise, who has lodged his own objection, said the ambience and character of some inner-suburban areas “could be totally destroyed”.
“It would appear there’s no real rhyme or reason to how it’s been implemented and I know there’s major concern and anger,” he said.
“This could well become a state election political issue and, as a state MP, I call on the council and panel to ensure local residents are listened to and their concerns acted upon.”
Cr Lyons said Geelong needed to find a balance between heritage and growth.
“We (council) don’t have a say in it. The State Government is going to rule on it,” he said.
“I’m not against it, though. I think it gives the community the opportunity to go to the panel and state their case and it’s actually the minister who decides.”
Cr Lyons said central Geelong should have no height limits.
“How high? A mile high,” he said.
“I want to grow the economic development of the city. We’ve got to go forward, we can’t go backwards.
“We’re not going to attract people without big development.
“Planning Minister Matthew Guy just approved five 60 to 75-storey buildings in Melbourne. It would be great to see them in Geelong – that would be excellent.”
