Vote boundary riders: Candidates pledge to keep ’Heads locked up

By Michelle Herbison
POTENTIAL changes to Barwon Heads’ town boundaries emerged as a major concern among residents at a council candidate forum this week.
Forum chair and Barwon Heads Association president Judith Brooks said “tension” in the meeting of about 50 residents showed a “very deep concern” about the boundaries.
“There were certainly a lot of questions about that issue specifically,” she said.
“Barwon Heads does not want to have wall-to-wall suburbs across the paddocks into Geelong.”
The Independent reported in 2010 that an independent panel supported City of Greater Geelong’s call to retain existing settlement boundaries for Barwon Heads.
The move followed years of debate over a proposed residential development at 1920 Geelong Rd.
Ward councillor Andy Richards said the 2010 decision allowed the building of community infrastructure “before any further growth” but he denied expansion was inevitable.
“There’s always a risk that the state planning minister can call it in and rezone it with a stroke of a pen. I am dead-set against that.”
Ward election candidate Mick Alexander said council would conduct a minor review on the town boundary in 2015 and a major review in 2019/2020.
He wanted to retain Barwon Heads’ village environment but worried about increasing property prices.
“I support the current boundaries where they are but I want to make sure we don’t disadvantage Barwon Heads residents by not moving the boundaries in the future.”
Candidate Margaret Pocock said she would represent the majority view by “prolonging” any change for as long as possible.
“I certainly don’t want more high density and the town boundary has to be kept for as long as we can maintain it.”
Candidate Katharine Oliver said she was passionate about ensuring any development was of “high quality”.
“My view is the boundary should stay where it is. Barwon Heads is a small seaside village.”
Candidate Astra Kirsanovs told Barwon Heads Association that sea level rise was a more significant problem for the town.
“The mantra of housing for all, especially cheap housing in desirable spaces, is very seductive but what concerns me is the ghettoization of new estates due to lack of public transport and services.”