Drysdale set for surge of home blocks

Jessica Benton
DRYSDALE’S population is set to sprawl with the opening of a new growth area.
City of Greater Geelong councillors have voted to adopt a rezoning amendment for stage one of a Jetty Road growth area.
The first stage, on land west of Drysdale and Clifton Springs, seeks a rezoning from farming to residential use to provide about 1500 residential lots for around 3700 residents.
The stage would feature a central neighbourhood activity centre, parks, reserves, open spaces and road access from Portarlington and Jetty roads.
Councillor Andrew Katos, who holds the planning portfolio, said it was time to “get cracking” on the growth area.
He said the project included $15 million in infrastructure projects.
The developers would contribute about $6000 per lot as well as transferring 10 per cent of the area as public open space, Cr Katos said.
Cr Bruce Harwood called for traffic studies before residents began moving into the development.
“We need to make sure we look at traffic issues and put in specific plans now instead of down the track. We need to get that right now.”
The total growth area covers 310-hectares bounded by Jetty, McDermott and Geelong-Portarlington roads.
An independent panel ruled the stage one plan was “consistent” with state and local planning policies.
The amendment will go to Planning Minister Justin Madden for final approval.