By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
GEELONG’S council has conceded planning authority on Avalon Airport’s rail link to State Government after earlier insisting it remain the responsible authority.
But council resolved to remain as the planning authority for the airport site.
Planning portfolio holder Rod Macdonald said the reservation of land to provide a rail link to Avalon Airport was a key component of the Victorian Government’s transport planning program.
“As the Avalon Airport rail link is a State Government project it makes sense to have the Minister for Planning running the planning scheme amendment process,” Cr Macdonald said.
A project team from the transport department had been investigating possible routes for a rail corridor from Avalon Airport to the Melbourne-Geelong rail line, he said.
“Council’s expectation is that there would be further community consultation including a full public exhibition process typical of a planning scheme amendment.
“Council is very supportive of a rail link to Avalon Airport but we’ll be careful to ensure there’s suitable consultation and opportunity to comment, for all residents, especially those living in the vicinity of the proposed alignment options.”
Cr Macdonald said council would retain its ongoing role as the responsible authority for the airport land itself, zoned special use.
In July council said it would make a submission to an Avalon Airport master plan – including the rail link – reinforcing the need to remain the responsible authority for issuing planning permits.
In a media release at the time council said it did not support the airport’s plan to assume the role of responsible authority for issuing planning permits.
“It’s important that council remains as an independent authority responsible for issuing planning permits to ensure the community has an appropriate avenue to comment on planning permit applications and access to an appeal process.”
