Golf project thwarted

Jessica Benton
GEELONG councillors have halted controversial development plans at 13th Beach Golf Resort.
The councillors voted this week to recommend rezoning land east of Lings Road near Barwon Heads for rural conservation uses.
The decision will now go before an independent panel.
The resort had earmarked the area for development of an 18-hole golf course, a second clubhouse and a “well-being centre” with a day spa, an indoor pool, a gym and massage facilities.
Council’s recommendation also resolved to send submissions on a new Barwon Heads structure plan to an independent panel.
The decision sent applause through the gallery at Tuesday’s council meeting, at which a group of about 50 Barwon Heads residents waited for the verdict.
Save Barwon Heads Alliance’s Steve Wickham said the group was “delighted”.
“The first thing for us is to congratulate the councillors for coming up with a motion and a vote that reflects the community’s concerns and interests and represents the view of the state government and the coastal strategy,” he said.
“We couldn’t have wanted a better outcome to start the panel process as far as the community goes.”
A council report had recommended the land retain an existing comprehensive development zoning. But Ocean Grove councillor Jan Farrell successfully moved a motion to alter the zoning to rural conservation, ruling out the development.
The other 11 councillors were divided on their support for the rezoning.
Ward councillor Andy Richards said the development was unwarranted.
“Barwon Heads is a town under growing infrastructure pressure and now is not the time to be adding to that pressure,” he said.
“When we get Armstrong Creek bedded down and we fix parking and traffic issues, we may be able to have another look at it but that will be 10 years and two councils away.”
Cr Farrell argued the Bellarine Peninsula had “plenty” of golf courses already.
But Cr Rod Macdonald said another course could be a win for the tourism industry.
“In terms of the amount of golf courses, Cr Farrell must be an expert because I’d think that this was a tourism initiative,” he said.
Cr Barbara Abley labelled the proposal a “containment creep”. Council must ensure the town boundaries remained intact with distinct zonings, she said.
Mayor John Mitchell was divided on his support for the golf course proposal and the town boundaries.
“I believe a golf course is a good idea and I’m unsure whether the town boundary should stay where it is but I do fully understand where the Barwon Heads community is coming from and what swayed me tonight was the community’s passion.”