Lara’s population set to double under plan

JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
A 4000-lot subdivision with potential to almost double Lara’s population is set for the town’s west, according to a council report.
Geelong’s council revealed the plan as a prominent Lara developer announced it would sue Planning Minister Matthew Guy for preventing another subdivision in the town.
Council this week “noted” a plan for the 390-hectare Lara West development bounded by Patullos, O’Hallorans, Windemere and Bacchus Marsh Rds.
“Development will be staged and is likely to be spread over two to three decades,” the report said.
The landowners had formed a company and engaged project managers and planning consultants.
The report said the site was included in a 2011 Lara Structure Plan.
The area was “the best unfragmented opportunity for Lara’s future growth”, the report said.
“At full development the site could yield up to 4000 lots with up to 11,000 people.
“The site is directly west of another potential development site, Manzeene Ave (with an) estimated 500 lots.”
The report said a neighbourhood activity centre of 4700sqm could include a full-line supermarket after 2020. Other infrastructure could include a convenience centre on O’Hallorans Rd, a multipurpose community centre, a recreation reserve and provision for two primary schools and a year-nine-to-12 campus for Lara Secondary College.
“The area is expected to generate in the order of 28,000 additional vehicle trips per day,” the report said.
“Improvements to the existing external road network will be required.”
Ward councillor Cameron Granger said carefully planned, orderly development would take place rather than areas of potential infill development.
“Lara residents are not against development provided it is done in the right place and takes account of the nature of the township,” Cr Granger said.
“The primary concerns are around the infrastructure required for growth, and this plan has the foresight to provide for growth to the west of the Lara township for well over a decade,” he said.
Council would conduct a community consultation session later this month.
L Bisinella Developments revealed its legal action on Monday, the day before council noted the new plan.
The company’s Supreme Court writ said Mr Guy’s quashing of Bisinella’s proposed residential development on Caddys Rd was “unreasonable”.
Mr Guy was wrong to argue the development would have a “detrimental impact” upon adjacent Serendip Sanctuary, the writ said.