Decision deferred on Drysdale rezoning

A DECISION on the proposed rezoning of Central Road properties in Drysdale was deferred to a later date by City of Greater Geelong councillors, to allow more time to consider the amendment.

Amendment C363 proposes to rezone land from rural living to residential, to allow for the development of more than 500 dwellings.

During the public exhibition process, the council received 71 submissions; 40 from local residents and Bellarine community groups, as well as from two affected land owners, against the amendment.

There were also 21 objections from Marsh Court residents about the proposed Marsh Court Road connection to the new residential estate.

The council also received generally supportive submissions from six affected land owners, including the proponent, Bellarine Springs Retirement Village, and owners on the east side of Central Road with development interests.

Mercedes Drummond, local resident and member of the Drysdale Clifton Springs Curlewis Association (DCSCA) said she put in two submissions, one personally and the other on behalf of DCSCA.

“I put in a submission on behalf of the president of DCSCA, and as a person living in the area. We’re opposed, the main reason being the impact on the community converting 28 households into 550 homes,” Ms Drummonds said.

“The impact that would have on the community – congestion, wildlife, that was one big issue. People move to Drysdale and Clifton Springs for the rural setting and we’re slowly losing all our little pockets.

“The section they’re looking at rezoning, it’s semi-rural. It’s a buffer between the Curlewis Estate and Drysdale Clifton Springs. We see it as the lungs, they’d be getting rid of 1,000 trees.”

Community members raised concerns about the amendment being contrary to the town’s character and planning policy, the proposed road connection to Marsh Court and a broad range of matters such as environmental features, population growth and traffic.

As part of the decision-making process, the council has the option to make changes to the amendment, refer the submissions to an independent panel appointed by the Minister for Planning or to abandon the amendment.

City of Greater Geelong mayor Stephanie Asher said the council appreciated the feedback they had received.

“Council appreciates the affected land owners, community members and organisations taking the time to give feedback on the amendment.

“Council needs more time to fully consider the amendment, before making a decision.”

Cr Trent Sullivan said they needed more time in order to make a decision.

“Council takes the submissions from community members very seriously and as such, wants more time to consider the amendment.”