Extension nod for $67m project

Jessica Benton
Geelong’s council has granted a permit extension for a $67 million development at Rippleside after the project’s initial three-year approval lapsed last month.
Councillor Rod Macdonald, who holds council’s planning portfolio, said developer Trendcorp had another two years to start work and six to finish the project.
The company plans to develop a former slipway area with 176 dwellings, a marina and recreational facilities.
Cr Macdonald said he could not rule out another extension if Trendcorp failed to start the project in two years.
Objectors yesterday slammed the delays.
Rippleside Action Group’s Peter Jager said the project had been “hanging about for 10 years”.
“It’s very frustrating,” Mr Jager said.
“Residents are going to be put on hold again.”
Trendcorp did not return the Independent’s calls for comment before the paper went to press yesterday.