Minister cool on Lonsdale, City split bid

MICHELLE HERBISON
POINT Lonsdale will remain split between City of Greater Geelong and Borough of Queenscliffe despite objections, according to State Government.
Local Government Minister Jeanette Powell ruled out reviewing the town’s boundaries unless both councils and residents west of Fellows Rd requested change.
“Municipal restructures can involve significant changes that can have major impacts on councils, the level of rates and services and the local communities,” she said.
Borough Mayor Bob Merriman wants about 600 properties west of Fellows Rd to move from the City to his council.
“Pt Lonsdale is divided in half,” he said.
“Moving the boundary would cease current inconsistencies, like different planning schemes and rates bills.”
Cr Merriman said two private surveys found about 70 per cent community support for the change.
But the borough was still waiting for Ms Powell to approve a May 25 request for a plebiscite.
“There’s no use us spending money on it unless the Government is seriously considering it.”
Cr Merriman said rates on homes valued at $500,000 would be about $410 higher in Geelong.
“The only difference is they have a green bin and we don’t.”
But a City spokesperson said averages were higher in Queenscliffe.
“If the section of Point Lonsdale now part of the City of Greater Geelong became part of the Borough of Queenscliffe some ratepayers’ bills would go up and some would go down,” the spokesperson said.
Point Lonsdale Civic Association had also written to Ms Powell requesting the change about four months ago, according to president Barney Orchard.
“It’s unsatisfactory to have a town with a road down the middle of it that’s ended up with two sets of local government management,” he said.
“There must be a far more rational approach to the planning and management of Pt Lonsdale as a whole and not as two parts but the lead needs to come from the residents.”