Rezoning not favoured in supermarket fight, says mayor

GEELONG mayor Stretch Kontelj has asked the planning minister to consider rezoning the Point Lonsdale site earmarked for a Coles supermarket, but says the step is not the most effective pathway forward.

A formal planning permit application has not yet been lodged for the $20 million development, on the Bellarine Highway, but the Coles Group is currently in discussions with the Department of Transport and Planning about the proposal.

This pre-application process is being conducted through the Development Facilitation Program (DFP), which will see the planning minister become the responsible authority for the project and determine the outcome of that application.

In a statement this week, Cr Kontelj said the city had raised “substantial concerns” about the proposal, including its environmental impacts, conflicts with retail policy and “strategic misalignment”, as part of this process.

“The council’s role has been to provide feedback and advice when requested by the DTP, ensuring our community’s perspectives and local considerations are clearly communicated,” Cr Kontelj said.

Earlier this month, the Borough of Queenscliffe wrote to the city to request it initiate a planning scheme amendment process with the Department to block the proposed supermarket.

The site, purchased by the Coles Group in March, sits inside the city’s boundary, but borders the borough.

Under the site’s current land use zoning, a supermarket is permitted, however borough mayor Di Rule said this zoning does not reflect the strategic intent for the land articulated in the Point Lonsdale Structure Plan, adopted by both councils in 2009.

“While rezoning remains a secondary consideration, it is not the preferred or most effective pathway as a pre-application is currently under consideration for this proposal,” Cr Kontelj said.

“Given the scale and complexity involved, if a rezoning is considered more appropriate by the minister, the minister has the authority to initiate and progress such amendments, and council respects this distinction within the planning process.

“I remain committed to constructive engagement with all stakeholders, including the minister, the Department, and our local community, to ensure a transparent and coordinated approach as this matter progresses.”

Local opposition to the supermarket remains fierce, with a community-led petition calling for the development to be halted, already nearing 2,400 signatures.