Legal twist for high-rise heat

By NOEL MURPHY
RESIDENTS have questioned City Hall using lawyers to bolster plans for high-rise rezoning across Geelong.
They fear the move means councillors might fail to represent their objections at an independent panel hearing on the rezonings.
The panel will hear submissions on a proposed C300 rezoning amendment to allow four-storey apartments in parts of Geelong West, Newtown and Belmont.
Newly-formed Western Residents Action Group, representing Newtown and Manifold Heights, questioned why council would have legal representation at the panel hearing.
“We are not against progress in Geelong, but progress must be sympathetic to those neighbourhood values that make our area such a great place to live, work and raise families,” the action group said in a prepared statement.
“A more-considered, targeted approach to zoning should be considered rather than simply throwing a blanket over the entire Geelong West suburb and a number of the surrounding areas.”
“Should this proposed zoning be approved to proceed, residents are despairing that (they) will find their living areas placed under overwhelming pressure by this high-density rezoning with increased traffic congestion, seemingly no parking plan, overflowing schools, a lack of public open space and an increased demand for community facilities.”
Councillor Stretch Kontelj was unsure of council’s legal representation at the panel but said he would seek clarification from City Hall.
State Government proposed the rezonings but council wanted to retain some control over high-rise growth in Geelong rather than leave it to “some bureaucrat in Spring St,” Cr Kontelj said.
“These panels often come back to us with very good recommendations that are different to council’s original ideas.”