By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
GEELONG council had been “dismissive” over the Drysdale community’s unease at a proposed third service station for the town, according to its community association.
Drysdale Clifton Springs Community Association’s Doug Carson said a meeting that council organised with residents and development proponents was a “non-event”.
The proponent did not attend and council officers only defended their decisions, Mr Carson said.
The Independent reported last month the service station proposal for High St near the Jetty Rd roundabout would include six double car fuel pumps and two truck pumps.
“Council has handled it poorly. It sounds like it’s done and dusted,” Mr Carson said.
“But I don’t know of anyone who is pleased with it. We’re going to send a letter to locals to give residents a chance to have a say.
“People power can change the council’s mind and if we can’t then it’s a fait accompli.”
The association’s blog said objectors to the proposal were told environmental and economic concerns were “irrelevant”.
City Hall planner Grant Logan told objectors a service station in a rural living zone was an allowable “discretionary” use, the blog said.
“Objectors were concerned at the likely effect on the local economy of three or even four service stations, especially when the long-promised Drysdale bypass takes traffic away from High Street.
“They questioned the need for a third service station that would be a few hundred metres from two existing service stations.”
The blog said notice of the application was inadequate, with notices pinned to the fence line of the property taken down a day too soon.
