Investigations into potential employment land in Geelong’s south-west will soon begin to meet increasing needs.
The City of Greater Geelong Council adopted Amendment C468ggee during its Tuesday, February 25, council meeting.
The amendment identifies 170 hectares of land as a site that could be developed to meet the region’s growing employment land needs.
Deputy Mayor Ron Nelson said it was important for growing communities to access employment near their home.
“The South-West Geelong Investigation Area prioritises further examination of 170 hectares of land that would help to ensure the supply of employment land up to 2051,” he said.
Council will now undertake work to determine the potential of the South-West Geelong Investigation Area, covering Waurn Ponds’ former Boral quarry and Mount Duneed’s Western Industrial Precinct.
Further work will be needed before land rezoning is entertained, with the amendment introducing local policy, strategic directions and other clauses to the planning scheme.
City Planning portfolio chair Councillor Andrew Katos said managing land disruptions and meeting industry needs were key to creating an expanding population and supporting the local economy.
“Amendment C468ggee is in line with recommendations from the South-West Employment Land Review, commissioned as part of work in the wake of Council’s Settlement Strategy,” he said.
“The amendment is in line with strategic priorities in Our Community Plan and the community’s clever and creative aspirations by facilitating sustainable development that supports population growth.”
The amendment will allow for the delivery of a diverse range of industrial lot sizes, including sites for large-scale manufacturing operations and the potential for surplus land to be used for housing and tourism, subject to further work.
Nine submissions were received during the amendment’s community exhibition from September 5 to October 14, with five submissions accepting the amendment while four government agency submissions provided comments.
Council then made minor changes and updates to the amendment following the feedback to ensure it positively contributed to the region.
Visit geelongaustralia.com.au/amendments/item/8dc2989dcacdb41.aspx for more information on Amendment C468 – South-West Geelong Investigation Area.
