Last-minute advice causes council indecision

The City of Greater Geelong council has deferred a decision on an industrial subdivision in a Corio employment precinct after WorkSafe changed its mind on the application hours before a planning meeting.

The council was due to rule on a proposed 14-lot subdivision at Heales Road Corio, north of the Geelong Ring Road, on Thursday last week.

But the workplace safety authority provided new advice that afternoon that supported the project, causing councillors to baulk at a final call.

WorkSafe had previously indicated the project provided too great of a risk due to the nearby Viva Energy LPG terminal and gas transmission line, which is classed as a major hazard facility.

That advice had partly justified the city’s recommendation to refuse a permit.

Viva was also considering withdrawing its objection, according to the subdivision’s applicant, who said they had been in discussions with the energy company.

Proponents first lodged their application in December 2021, but their wait for a decision will now continue.

The city’s officers stood by their stance against the proposal despite the new advice, citing its inconsistency with employment growth strategies and engineering concerns.

The subdivision of a 14.9-hectare site would create lots of just over one hectare in the Geelong Ring Road Employment Precinct (GREP).

The GREP is geared towards attracting larger developments of regional and national significance for the precinct that enjoys close access to transport routes.

Council officers also said stormwater management had been inadequately assessed.

Councillors had indicated they would likely back the proposal despite the officers’ recommendation during debate.

Cr Ron Nelson said he supported greater diversity of commercial properties to encourage business development in the area.

“If the land was needed it would have been sold and developed already. It’s been out there for longer than I’ve been a councillor.

“There’s a lot of vacant land out there. We need to encourage business and encourage jobs.”

Cr Bruce Harwood agreed: “I see this as an opportunity for the region and the city. I’m not convinced out strategy is working in the GREP for moving property out there”.

“[We’ve heard] the take up would be relatively swift to create economic stimulus, which is what the GREP is designed to do.”

Cr Jim Mason had moved to accept the officer’s recommendation of a refusal, which was supported by Cr Melissa Cadwell, but ultimately defeated 4-2.

An alternate motion to defer a decision to consider new WorkSafe advice then passed unanimously.