By NOEL MURPHY
CHRISTIAN College is holding tight with controversial plans for a school in Torquay’s Spring Creek despite an independent panel suggesting it could proceed immediately under existing rural zonings.
School chief Daryl Riddle said the panel’s report was “a positive step for the school”.
“We purchased the property for the purpose of a school. That’s been in limbo for some years but, looking at the panel report, there’s a lot you can read into it.
“It’s very positive and hopefully next year we can put some more meat of the bones. At this stage we’re still looking at how the school would look, what the process would be, how we’d approach the council.
“The plans have not been completely formalised yet. We’re happy to take it into the new year.
“We’re not rushing ahead to get anything by the end of this year, there’s still a lot of work to be done from our end.”
The panel suggestion was part of its report on council’s proposed C66 planning scheme amendment to guide Torquay’s growth. The panel recommended allowing development in the Spring Creek area for one kilometre west of Duffield’s Rd despite widespread public opposition.
Councillors will consider the report before voting on a C66 recommendation to Planning Minister Matthew Guy, who must approve the amendment.
Surf Coast councillors and officers suggested the panel recommendations could be more favourable to Christian College than the rural zones introduced by the Coalition Government, which allow some limited development of farmland.
“It would be logical for them to wait, see people’s attitudes and make decisions accordingly,” an officer said.
Mayor Rose Hodge was uncertain about when council would consider the panel report.
“But it might be the December meeting,” she said.
