City raises concerns with Central Geelong draft plan

LONGSTANDING issues with the Moorabool Street bus interchange and no reference to the Bellarine Link are among the issues raised in a city submission to the state government’s draft Central Geelong Framework Plan 2021.

Council endorsed the submission last week, responding to the draft plan which has been prepared by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and sets out a vision and guidance for land use and development in Central Geelong over the next 30 years.

The draft document includes an updated Structure Plan and Urban Design Framework, and aims to identify how the city can grow while retaining its best features.

The draft plan proposes more than one million square metres of new development for housing and jobs, more accessible community and social infrastructure and the development of Wadawurrung urban design guidelines.

Council generally supports the draft Central Geelong Framework Plan 2021 and draft planning amendment, however its submission details concerns regarding the bus interchange and a lack of information on alternative routes as part of its relocation.

The city has also raised the future rail link to Avalon Airport which is missing from the plan, and a lack of strategies and actions for the Geelong railway station, rail and bus connections.

The council’s submission looks at a proposed freight route along McKillop Street and discusses council’s concern with the lack of reference to the Bellarine Link being the preferred long-term solution to removing unnecessary freight movements through Central Geelong.

The use of existing city-owned off-street car parks for future open space; and a lack of detail on how actions that have been earmarked for the city to deliver will be funded are also questioned in the submission.

Geelong mayor Stephanie Asher said maintaining “the things we love about Central Geelong, while supporting sustainable growth and development” was important.

“There is a lack of planned actions to bring our public transport up to standard and also include the way people access Central Geelong from coastal and rural areas,” Cr Asher said.

“We have significant concerns about the reliance on the Transport Network Operating Plan, given it was not endorsed by the council for a range of reasons.

“I encourage community members to read through this long-term plan for Central Geelong and share your thoughts.”

Cr Kylie Grzybek said a strong long-term plan that ensured Central Geelong thrived for generations to come was fundamental.

“Central Geelong has had a tough time of it during the pandemic, so it’s essential we get the balance right and embrace its full potential,” Cr Grzybek said.

“We’re advocating strongly on the longstanding issues regarding the bus network in Central Geelong.”

The community is invited to have its say on the draft plan and proposed planning controls for Central Geelong at the Engage Victoria website until 4pm on Wednesday, July 7.