Public scrutiny for growth area environment plans

GEELONG residents can have their say on environment strategies prepared ahead of intense housing development north-west of Geelong.

The City of Greater Geelong last month tabled its draft Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Plan and Strategic Assessment Report for areas that cover 5,500 hectares from Lovely Banks to Fyansford.

That area is the Northern and Western Geelong Growth Area (NWGGA), which will accommodate most of the region’s greenfield development in coming decades.

The NWGGAs will eventually be home to around 110,000 residents.

The EPBC Plan addresses matters of environmental significance and outlines measures to avoid, minimise or offset impacts to them.

COGG has highlighted examples such as conservation areas for wildlife including the striped legless lizard and the golden sun moth, and preventing public lighting from impacting habitats like the Cowies Creek Conservation Area.

The city is consulting with residents on the plan in person at its Mercer Street Wurriki Nyal Civic Precinct on Tuesday (September 5) from 10am-12pm and Wednesday (September 6) from 5-7pm.

It also hosts landholder workshops today (Tuesday, August 29) and Thursday (August 31).

Mayor Trent Sullivan said community feedback would help shape the final EPBC Plan.

“The draft biodiversity strategic assessment considers a number of complex factors such as the area’s water-based environmental values, threatened flora and fauna, protected areas and current use of the land,” Mayor Sullivan said.

“I really encourage residents, landowners, community groups and other stakeholders to attend our consultation sessions in person or online and share their insights.”