By John Van Klaveren
RIDLEY Corporation is investigating residential development opportunities for its Moolap salt fields, according to the company’s annual report.
The report said Ridley had engaged consultants to prepare design concepts as part of preliminary feasibility studies for the site.
Mounting development pressure and rapid population growth prompted the investigation, the report said.
“Ridley considers there to be a strong case for the site to be redeveloped for alternative purposes.
“This unique 475-hectare site has extensive north-facing Corio Bay frontage and is a mix of (subsidiary) Cheetham Salt freehold and leased land, over which it has a lease until 2031.”
The report said Ridley was also exploring redevelopment options for its Lara salt field, adjacent to Avalon Airport.
Industrial and employment prospects for the Lara site included expansion of the airport and Geelong Port.
Results of the feasibility analysis on the $1.4 million Moolap site had been “encouraging”, the report said.
“Ridley is pressing on with this work in 2012 to ascertain the full redevelopment potential of the site.”
The report said both sites were operating as salt fields but were surplus to requirements.
Larger sites with greater efficiency could cover loss of production capacity in Geelong.
The report said Ridley had been in discussions with key government stakeholders.
Concepts for both sites were “well received”.
The report said the City of Greater Geelong was amending its Lara structure plan to include potential airport-related use for the salt site.
City of Greater Geelong planning general manager Peter Bettess said Ridley’s Lara site was outside existing requirements.
“Any investigations need to be mindful of the constraints imposed on the land due to the adjacent airport.”
Mr Bettess said the Moolap site remained in a special use zone for environmental wetlands, salt production and land-based aquaculture activities.
Council had yet to have any “formal approaches” on the sites, he said.
Geelong Environment Council president Joan Lindros said the proposal “seemed quite out of this world”.
“The Moolap site is vulnerable to sea level rise, so this is fairly scary stuff,” Ms Lindros said.
“What might happen is that acid sulphate soils might emerge, creating further environmental damage.
“The salt pans are also valuable and renowned habitats for migratory birds.”
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