Boundary ruling: Bigger Heads denied

Jessica Benton
An independent panel has rejected plans for a boundary-busting residential development at Barwon Heads.
The panel supported City of Greater Geelong’s call to retain existing settlement boundaries for Barwon Heads.
The panel recommended against plans for residential development on Macafee family land at 1920 Geelong Road and expansion of 13th Beach golf course.
Save Barwon Heads Alliance’s Steve Wickham called the recommendations a “huge win” for the environment and the community.
“The fantastic news is the panel agrees with council, planners and the community that there’s no earthly reason to move the boundary,” he said.
“The panel has emphasised and restated that the international significance of the Ramsar wetlands is the most important factor in any future ambitions for development in the Barwon Heads area.
“The panel literally underlines this in the report.”
However, ward councillor Andy Richards warned the recommendations did not rule out development of the Macafee site some time in the future.
“The panel has supported council’s position in relation to the settlement boundary and the exclusion of the Macafee property, although the panel believes some limited development of this land may be feasible in the future,” he said.
The Independent reported in 2008 that Geelong councillors had opposed the proposal for a 240-home residential development at 1920 Geelong Road. The 13th Beach plan included another 18-hole golf course, a second clubhouse and a “well-being centre” with facilities including a day spa, an indoor pool and a gym.
Council received 377 submissions on the proposed new structure plan for Barwon Heads.
Council will consider the recommendations in March.