Geelong council seeks feedback on South Geelong urban plan integration

THE City of Greater Geelong is seeking public feedback on a planning amendment aimed at reshaping South Geelong.

The South Geelong Urban Design Framework (UDF), adopted in 2022, outlines a vision to enhance public spaces, architectural design, and housing diversity.

It proposes upgrades such as new pedestrian crossings, expanded green areas, additional tree plantings, and improved infrastructure for heritage conservation and lighting.

Amendment C432ggee is the mechanism through which the council intends to enact the UDF.

This amendment focuses on legal changes to zoning and overlays within the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme to support the UDF’s objectives.

Mayor Trent Sullivan stressed the importance of community engagement.

“It is important for those who live, work, visit and move through South Geelong to have their say,” he said.

The amendment proposes converting areas from General Residential, Neighbourhood Residential, and Commercial Zones to new Residential or Mixed Use Zones.

It also plans to introduce a Design and Development Overlay for Moorabool Street and the Barwon Water site at 40-44 Lonsdale Street.

Additionally, Heritage, Public Acquisition, and Environmental Audit Overlays are proposed for certain properties.

Councillor Jim Mason encouraged the public to make their voices heard before the submission deadline on May 13.

“We encourage community members who will be affected by Amendment C432ggee to make a submission, whether that’s in support, requesting a change or opposing the amendment,” Mr Mason said.

Feedback collected will be reviewed in a forthcoming council meeting and may be forwarded to an independent panel appointed by the Minister for Planning.

Details about how Amendment C432ggee will facilitate the UDF’s integration into the local planning scheme by adjusting land zoning and applying new overlays can be reviewed online. This allows residents to understand and influence the transformation set to take place in South Geelong’s urban landscape.