Kaufland fails to get Geelong council’s support

The proposed site for the store is at 140-156 Colac Road, across from the existing Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre.

The store – one of as many as 15 proposed by the German-based grocery-chain across Victoria – would include a large supermarket, a bottle shop and a mall area with specialty shops.

The Minister for Planning will decide whether or not the store is built, but the council will present a submission to the planning committee that could be influential.

Cr Ron Nelson said he had several worries about the site.

“As a resident of the area, I am concerned about the proposed site location, lack of community and council consultation and potential impacts on neighbouring properties, traffic and access.”

In addition to these concerns, the council’s submission will also note that the current site is in a flood-prone area.

Their submission will subsequently suggest there is a need for the 436-space carpark to be landscaped, including stormwater treatment and canopy cover.

Councillors were not completely opposed to the development, noting that the store could create 80-100 jobs and give consumers more options.

Planning portfolio chair Cr Trent Sullivan said the store could benefit the community, but at present the risks were too high.

“As chair of the planning portfolio, I hold concerns about the proposed site for the Kaufland store.

“While I’m in favour of bringing greater consumer choice and employment opportunities to Geelong, there needs to be serious consideration about the suitability of the location and lack of community consultation.”

A public hearing will be held on Wednesday, December 11.

For more information, head to engage.vic.gov.au/kaufland-advisory-committee.