Port strategy looks for opportunities

Andrew Mathieson
A NEW strategy for Geelong’s port will investigate “opportunities” on nearby vacant land, according to State Government.
Other key actions outlined in the strategy is extra berths, securing public access to North Shore’s foreshore and maintaining “appropriate” buffers between the port and other land users.
The strategy also recommended the Planning Minister becomes the “responsible authority” for the port.
An opponent said the strategy threatened nearby residents’ third-party appeal rights to fight port-related development.
Geelong Community for Good Life’s Sue McLean said the Government had wiped its hands clean of any tough decisions, asking the city’s council to do the groundwork for implementing the new management strategy.
“Basically, all they have done is to leave it up to council, which gives us absolutely no faith the community will be protected,” she said.
Northern suburbs’ residents first expressed concern about the plans to seize control of the port area nearly five years ago.
Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas said the strategy would help “realise potential growth” at the port.
“Realising the port’s growth potential is vital for the state and local economy. However, we also recognise ports must be good neighbours,” Mr Pallas said.
“This growth cannot be to the detriment of the social and environmental amenity.”
Geelong is the second busiest of Victoria’s four commercial ports, handling over $5 billion in imports and exports a year.