Port support for chocolate factory idea

PORTARLINGTON business leaders have thrown their support behind a proposed chocolaterie and farmstay development at the edge of the Bellarine town, and want to attract more commercial developments for the growing community.

Portarlington and District Business Association (PDBA) will urge its members to write to local government representatives and back the plan, which it says will provide a year-round tourism attraction and local jobs for the growing community.

The idea has drawn objections from other locals since its unveiling last year, including concern from neighbours about traffic and amenity impacts, loss of local history and from farmers warning of potential land use conflicts.

Bellarine Chocolate Co. has applied to build a chocolate factory, restaurant/café and farm-stay accommodation at 1-45 Point Richards Road.

PDBA president John Rae said the proposal would provide an important economic boost for the growing town.

“The change has happened, 30 years ago we were a fishing village – we’re not any more,” Mr Rae said.

“It’s another reason for people to get on the ferry. They can go to the factory, then they’ll drift over to other shops.”

Portarlington Community Information Booth president Phil Cameron said a shortage of family activities was a gap in the town’s existing tourism offering, which was increasingly in the spotlight as ferry services connecting with Geelong and Melbourne brought new visitors.

“It’s not really appropriate to spend most of your time at wineries with young kids.

“We’re supportive of having activities for young children. Our visitors are always asking about activities and things to do, and this will be great.”

Resident and parent Laura Taylor-Payne said further growth was vital to ensure local children were encouraged to stay in town longer.

“If not going to be what’s proposed, 10 to 15 years down the track it could be a housing estate.

“As a mum of young ones, I’d rather it be turned into something that’s going to bring in tourism and sustainable employment throughout the whole year.”

The proposed site is at the corner of Point Richards and Portarlington roads at the town’s main entrance.

The property is heritage listed as the former site of Lincoln’s Farm, which is believed to be among the oldest dairy production sites still standing in Australia.

The property’s remaining bluestone building would be repurposed for use in the new development if approved.

Advocates say the plan would breathe new life into the significant buildings, while opponents believe planned changes would diminish its historic value.

During consultation last year, Point Richards Road residents were concerned with potential loss of bay views that they said had been promised when building their retirement houses due to the land’s farm zoning.

Bellarine farmers’ branches also raised issue with potential clashes such as use of herbicides between nearby crop growers and the planned family-centric attraction.

The City of Greater Geelong is yet to decide on the planning application following public submissions that closed in September, when it received dozens of submissions both in support and opposition.