Growth: Andrew Katos at the developers’ lunch.
ERIN PEARSON
Lara, Lovely Banks and Batesford are targets for growth under the new Baillieu Government, according to South Barwon MP Andrew Katos.
He told a developers’ lobby lunch meeting in Geelong last Friday the Government would use the centres to “bridge the gap” between the city and Melbourne.
“Our Government feels this region could cater for Melbourne’s growth. We can’t just keep growing Melbourne,” he said.
“Lara is very important to Geelong and there is developable land there suitable for someone looking for their first home. It’s a viable option and should be used to attract people who usually go to Melbourne’s west.”
Mr Katos revealed the growth plan four days before council adopted a controversial rezoning application for hundreds of homes off Lara’s Caddys Road and a separate amendment to expand the town’s shopping centre.
Mr Katos told the Urban Developers Institute of Australia meeting the Government was seeking 25 years of land supply in the region.
The “multiple growth fronts” also included Ocean Grove, Torquay, Armstrong Creek and central Geelong, he said.
“We will only recommend growth expansion (that is) determined necessary.
“We will give certainty and allow councils to plan forward. It’s illogical to just build on one site.”
Mr Katos said City of Greater Geelong needed a “good mix” of land and homes for first, second and third-time buyers and others seeking a “sea change”.
The Coalition would also seek high-density developments across Fyans and West Fyans streets between Bellarine Street and Shannon Avenue.
Development institute policy director Martin Musgrave called Mr Katos’s announcement “positive”.
The institute was particularly happy about the variety of areas targeted for growth.
“Having more than one growth area means more choice for purchasers and more scope for there to be more affordability because of that competition,” Mr Musgrave said.
“We find in Melbourne with multiple development corridors there is more competition, so developers feed on each other and end up with lower prices.
“Buyers will have the opportunity for a greater choice and developers the opportunity to attract people who might have otherwise thought about the growth areas in Melbourne.
“I think that makes for exciting times in Geelong.”
