City approves stable works at Geelong Racecourse

THE City of Greater Geelong has approved a plan to build five new detached horse stables, five horse walkers and a horse pool at Geelong Racecourse.

Geelong Racing Club applied for a permit for the works in the south-west corner of 99 Breakwater Road, Breakwater, which is Crown land and in a Special Use Zone.

Under the application, the the existing non-habitable stables will be rebuilt in a more uniform layout, increasing capacity from 87 stables to 100, and a 47m x 2.8m inground horse pool for training and recovery will be constructed.

Each stable will have a floor area of 540sqm, containing 20 stables, four tie up areas, staff facilities, an office, wash area, and feed and shavings storage sheds.

During the public exhibition period, the city received six objections, including about odour, noise and vermin issues, setbacks, removal of vegetation and suggestions for relocation of works.

Following a consultation meeting with objectors, the Geelong Racing Club submitted an additional acoustic and odour assessment.

The outer walls of the stables will have 30mm rubber matting to further assist with noise mitigation.

The council’s planning committee granted a notice of decision for a planning permit at its meeting last month.

Cr Andrew Katos, who chairs the planning committee, said the application and community submissions were carefully considered.

“The planning committee found the proposed new structures were essentially an upgrade of the existing non-habitable facilities and their use is consistent with the site’s purpose.

“The structures maintain a low scale, are cohesive and provide an ‘open feel’ design.

“We’ve recommended conditions to ensure the ongoing management of noise, odour and dust.

“The works will contribute to the improvement and economic viability of this major regional sports facility, which plays an ongoing role in our region’s social and cultural fabric.”