City approves Leopold Angling and Aquatic Club’s application to remove rocks

LEOPOLD Angling and Aquatic Club has had a big win, with the City of Greater Geelong last week approving its application to remove rocks at the entrance of an artificial water body to Corio Bay.
Mayor Stephanie Asher said the planning committee voted to allow the applicant to remove the rocks at the entrance to the body of water on a two-year trial basis, subject to conditions.
“One of the conditions is that only canoes, kayaks and other non-motorised craft can enter or exit Corio Bay via the channel.
“The decision is great news for the Leopold Angling Club, which was well represented at the Planning Committee meeting.”
Commodore Ivan Bereza shared a post to the club’s Facebook page following the meeting, sharing with members about their huge win.
“Our permit application that we applied for 20 months ago to remove the rocks was approved tonight at a special councillors and planning meeting.
“The Greater Geelong planning department refused our application but Cr Eddy Kontelj called it in, which meant councillors could vote on overriding the planning department decision.
“We had members Rod Warren, Rod McDonald, myself and our great patron Dennis More speak in our behalf – a huge thank you to them.
“Special mention and thanks goes to Eddy Kontelj – a common sense councillor who strives for community benefits.”
Mr Bereza said all six councillors present voted unanimously for the approval and Cr Asher was very supportive.
“There still is much work to do to see the vision for total bay access,” he said.
“We need to provide an environmental monitoring program and apply for improvement works.
“Once we provide a benchmark study we can remove the rocks, hopefully in about three months’ time.”
He said future applications would be made for works and total bay access, but this latest decision was definitely a step in the right direction.
“We are very happy this hard work has finally progressed.
“Stay tuned; we are a club moving forward.”