Late switch to sky-high council plan

GEELONG Saleyards’ future housing development could have buildings of up to 10 storeys after a last-minute change to a council plan for the precinct.

The City of Greater Geelong council has recommended the maximum building height for the precinct up from a previously endorsed six-storey limit as the city submits its proposed planning framework to the state government for approval.

The late change passed following a split vote; a minority of councillors said they were “amazed” at the eleventh-hour backflip, while supporters said the site was an ideal opportunity for the city to house intense, high-density housing development.

The Saleyards Precinct Plan will turn the former industrial site in North Geelong into a housing development for an estimated 1300 residents before the height restriction change.

Cr Anthony Aitken moved the amendment to allow development of up to 10 storeys for the precinct he described as a “unique piece of commercial and industrial land”.

He argued the site’s location near a golf course and North Geelong railway station, and away from existing residential areas, made it the perfect location to provide for higher-density housing.

“It actually is probably the most unique in-fill site we have in Geelong for high-density housing. This is where we should be putting it,” he said.

“This site deserves to be our high-density showcase in Geelong… and where we provide affordable housing and apartments.”

Cr Ron Nelson agreed and said a more intense saleyards precinct could help ease pressure on populated suburbs such as Geelong West, South Geelong and Highton, which are all undergoing Urban Design Framework processes to guide coming development.

Cr Aitken’s motion included a provision that all developments proposed at more than six storeys would trigger a public planning process, which he said would ensure community members could have input into future high-rise buildings.

But a section of the council said they were uncomfortable with the manner in which the new suggestion had arrived after the community had been presented with a vision for a six-storey limit.

“I’m amazed we’re debating this, to be quite honest,” Cr Peter Murrihy said.

“It’s dangerous ground we’re treading on here, to vote on something that the community has never had the chance to comment on.”

Councillors Bruce Harwood, Sarah Mansfield and Jim Mason similarly raised concerns about the process, while broadly supporting the need for higher-density opportunities in urban areas.

The amended motion passed six votes to four, with councillors Murrihy, Mansfield, Mason and Belinda Moloney opposed.

The city will ask the Victorian planning department to appoint an independent panel to consider submissions on the amendment before a final decision.