Developers circle planned Curlewis housing blocks

THE City of Greater Geelong has proposed to rezone a further 150 hectares of rural land at Curlewis’ east to create thousands more housing blocks in the final stage of a long-term expansion plan.

Developers are already pouncing on the new sites, with plans revealed last month for a 425-lot project in anticipation of the zoning change. COGG councillors endorsed a planned amendment for the second stage of the Jetty Road urban growth plan at last week’s meeting.

The council expects stage two to yield at least as many homes as the development’s first stage, which created 1700 new lots.

Blocks surrounding the stage one development, in the west to farming blocks up to McDermott’s Road and south to a rural living zone at Portarlington Road, would open for development under the amendment.

The growth area is within existing settlement boundaries outlined in COGG’s 2020 Settlement Strategy and the Bellarine Distinctive Area Landscape – but would extend to the end of the housing zone identified in 2008 and mark the end of current growth plans.

The amendment includes requirements for shared infrastructure improvements including duplication of Tivoli Drive and Greenvale Drive.

It would also attract developer fees to boost council coffers and would pay for unfinished projects in the first stage expansion, including construction of a community hub and road upgrades, where costs were agreed to be split across landholders of both areas.

Bellarine Ward councillor Jim Mason said it was “exciting” to near the culmination of the long-term development strategy.

“The time has come to further allow for orderly development,” Cr Mason said.

The Bellarine councillor encouraged community members to have their say on the plan later this year.

COGG will submit its proposed amendment to the state government for exhibition.

Residents will have their opportunity to provide formal feedback before the rezone plan becomes official, while landowners will receive direct notification.

Meanwhile, a block in the planned rezone has recently sold to developers.

Stockland announced it had reached a deal for a 26-hectare farming property at 32-70 McDermott Road earlier last month in a deal reportedly worth around $60 million.

The developer said it would submit a masterplan for the site that would include about 100 residential lots and 325 land lease homes. Land lease communities allow homeowners to buy a home but pay the site owner fees to cover costs such as council rates and maintenance, and are most popular among older downsizers.

Stockland Halcyon Communities executive general manager Richard Rhydderch said recent infrastructure investment, such as roads, the Queenscliff Ferry Terminal and at Geelong’s CBD, added to the site’s appeal.

“Curlewis offers the perfect mix for lifestyle-seeking retirees. The proposed masterplan will include a clubhouse and recreational facilities set in attractive landscaping complementary to the coastal and rural character of the precinct,” he said.

“The proposed community will have access to established services, including a nearby shopping centre, and a mix of recreational and sporting activities.”

The site immediately south at 91-125 Coriyule Road sold to developers for $5.5 million in 2014.