Dispute ‘holding up’ supply of 1500 blocks

Jessica Benton
Disputes with land owners have put the brakes on release of 1500 housing allotments at Clifton Springs’ Jetty Road, according to a ward councillor.
Tom O’Connor said the dispute had stopped City Hall from sending a planning scheme amendment to Planning Minister Justin Madden for rezoning approval.
The land in Clifton Spring’s urban growth area is zoned for farming but City Hall’s plan needs Mr Madden to approve a residential rezoning.
Councillors voted earlier this year to send the amendment for approval.
Cr O’Connor called the Jetty Road growth area the “last piece of the jigsaw” for residential growth in the area.
“This is a really big thing,” he said.
“We’re quickly running out of land supply in the Geelong region. We’ve only got about three years worth of land left.”
Cr O’Connor said the development was a responsible plan for the growth of coastal communities.
“It’ll be a benchmark for the whole of the Bellarine,” he said.
“This development will be coupled with elements of sustainability and sophistication in conjunction with the Drysdale and Clifton Springs structure plan and the foreshore management plan.
“We’ve got to be careful it doesn’t become a residential jungle and we have to open up our minds to what the future requires in terms of water, waste, energy and biodiversity.
“It will be a model community with a balance of open spaces, residential lots, roads specifically for pedestrian and bike traffic and will include a water retention basin, adding to environmental sustainability.”
Drysdale and Clifton Springs Community Association warned of over-development in the area after council backed the amendment for the minister’s approval.
Association president Roger Lavingdale wondered how the area would cope with the extra residents.
“We knew this development was going to happen but our main concern is that if they get this up and running how will they account for the 4000-odd people who will move to the town,” Mr Lavingdale said after the council vote.
“How will they deal with increased traffic and the pressure on town facilities from the influx?
“They’re going to have to provide more facilities such as doctors and general things like recreational facilities, schooling and retail.
“If they don’t look at the big picture, we’re going to be in real trouble.”