Garden call over Stockland project

Jessica Benton
ENVIRONMENTALISTS are pushing for wetlands at Point Lonsdale to become a botanic garden if State Government rejects a controversial plan for residential development on the site.
Geelong Environment Council president Joan Lindros said the Lonsdale Lakes site needed protection as a “focal point” of the Bellarine Peninsula.
“We’d like to see the wetlands turned into a botanic garden. It would really give the area a real ecological and marine focus,” Ms Lindros said.
“This would be fantastic for the area and would ensure the preservation of the site.”
An independent panel has sent its recommendation on developer Stockland’s proposal for the site to Planning Minister Justin Madden for final approval.
Stockland wants to build 598 residential allotments, a retirement village and an aged-care facility.
Geelong’s council initially approved a larger Stockland plan in early 2006 but then-Planning Minister Rob Hulls rejected the bid, ruling it failed to comply with State Government policy restricting coastal development.
The initial plan sought rezoning because it went outside a residential-zoned area. The new plan is within the residential zoning.
The panel sent its recommendations to Mr Madden after hearing submissions from environmentalists, community groups, Geelong council’s planning department and Stockland.
Ms Lindros expected a decision from Mr Madden before the end of the year.
The environment council was also waiting on a decision from Environment Minister Peter Garrett on whether he would include Lonsdale Lakes in an international RAMSAR treaty list for the Bellarine Peninsula and Port Phillip area, Ms Lindros said.
RAMSAR agreements protect internationally important wetland areas for migratory birds.
Stockland has told the Independent it will not comment on the project during the planning process.