City welcomes support for Creamery Road growth area

THE City of Greater Geelong has welcomed state government support for its plans for part of its Western Geelong Growth Area.

Last week, the city released the Standing Advisory Committee’s (SAC) Volume 1 report into the draft Creamery Road Precinct Structure Plan (PSP) and Development Contributions Plan (DCP), following the Minister for Planning granting approval for publication.

The report highlights strong potential to increase developable land and reduce infrastructure levies, offering a clear opportunity to improve development efficiency and affordability in the precinct.

Adopted in August 2024, the Creamery Road PSP outlines plans for the proposed Creamery Road precinct, located in the northeast of the Western Geelong Growth Area.

The proposed precinct spans 344.57 hectares with about 200 hectares being developable, providing space for more than 3,500 dwellings.

The SAC’s recommendations include refining drainage and transport networks, reviewing open space provisions, and strengthening the strategic basis for infrastructure items.

The DCP levy has been reduced from $1.59 million per hectare when the Creamery Road PSP was first adopted to $1.2 million per hectare before the SAC’s report.

Although the final figure is yet to be determined, the city says further reductions are anticipated.

Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said much of the recommended works were expected.

“City officers are now working closely with landowners, consultants, and the Department of Transport and Planning to implement the next stage of refinements,” Mayor Kontelj said.

“This process reinforces Council’s commitment to enabling well-planned, cost-effective growth and maintaining open collaboration with the development industry.”

Chair of the council’s City Planning portfolio chair Cr Andrew Katos said a second volume of the SAC’s report would be released.

“The City will continue to update stakeholders as timelines are confirmed,” Cr Katos said.

“We are working closely with the key developer to progress the Creamery Road PSP technical work.”