City adopts Ocean Grove tree-project amendment

THE City of Greater Geelong Council has implemented a project that aims to better protect the unique landscape character within well-established areas of Ocean Grove.

At a meeting last week, the Council adopted Amendment C349, which implements the Ocean Grove Significant Tree Project (OGSTP).

In 2015, the OGSTP identified the number of significant trees on public and private land in two areas of old Ocean Grove.

More than 3,000 significant trees were noted, including the Bellarine Yellow-gum, which is a threatened species in Victoria.

Along with the vegetation surveys, a detailed Background Report was prepared to inform the draft planning controls.

Public consultation took place in 2016 with a number of changes made in response to submissions.

At a Panel Hearing in October 2017, council officers responded that Amendment C349 was strategically justified and recommendations from the OGSTP were appropriate given the number of significant trees.