New port zoning surprises council

By John Van Klaveren
A NEW planning zone around Port of Geelong has taken the city’s council by surprise.
Council planning portfolio holder Rod Macdonald said he was unaware State Government announced the zone this week to ensure Victorian ports were “protected to secure ongoing productivity”.
Planning Minister Matthew Guy said the new statewide zone would prevent “sensitive” development such as homes and hospitals encroaching on the ports.
“These planning controls will better protect both the operation and the expansion of the ports while protecting the amenity of residents and workers in areas proximate to the ports.
“Our ports make a significant contribution to Victoria’s economic growth and prosperity and it is important that there is a robust planning framework to support their growth.”
Mr Guy said the port zone would “specifically recognise the interests of the port and (it’s) significance to Victoria”.
Ports Minister Denis Napthine said the zones were vital to Victoria’s prosperity.
“Every business in Victoria either directly or indirectly relies on a competitive and efficient commercial port network to import and export goods from this state,” Dr Napthine said.
“These new planning protections are another key element in our plan to secure the growth of the Victorian economy and support our freight and logistics industry.”