Panel confirms city’s stance on South Geelong UDF

AN INDEPENDENT planning panel has backed the City of Greater Geelong’s decision to introduce the South Geelong Urban Design Framework (UDF) into the city’s planning scheme.

In development since 2019, the South Geelong UDF proposes rezoning land from General Residential Zone, Neighbourhood Residential Zone and Commercial Zone to new Residential Zone Schedules or Mixed Use Zone.

It would also apply a new Design and Development Overlay to Moorabool Street and the former Barwon Water site in Carr Street to guide future subdivision and urban design, including taller, high-density buildings in both of these areas.

The city exhibited the amendment that would implement the new framework in April and May last year, and resolved to refer the matter, and the submissions it received, to the independent panel.

Height limits have been brought down from the initial drafts, with the 10 storeys first proposed at the Barwon Water site lowered to six storeys.

According to the panel’s report, released last month, there were 51 submitters to the amendment but only three submitters presented their arguments during the panel’s hearing in November last year.

“The panel notes that post-exhibition, Council engaged with submitters in an attempt to resolve concerns with submissions,” the report stated.
“This approach managed to resolve some, but not all, concerns.

“The panel is satisfied the SGUDF [South Geelong Urban Design Framework] has been through an extensive community engagement program and provides the appropriate strategic justification for the amendment.”

The city’s executive director of placemaking, Tennille Bradley, thanked the independent panel for its efforts.

“We appreciate the independent panel taking the time to speak to submitters and review all community feedback on Amendment C432ggee,” Ms Bradley said.

She invited residents to read the panel’s report.

“The City is reviewing the panel’s recommendations and will prepare a report for the April 22 meeting, where Council will decide whether the amendment should be adopted,” Ms Bradley said.

For more information, head to geelongaustralia.com.au/amendments/default.aspx and click on ‘Amendment C432 – South Geelong Urban Design Framework’.