Theft forces truck wash’s early closure
A significant amount of copper piping supplying water to the truck wash was stolen at the weekend, resulting in the facility now being unusable.
This is the second theft in recent months, suggesting the site is potentially being targeted.
The City of Greater Geelong decided earlier this year to permanently close the truck wash on September 1, but City chief executive officer Ali Wastie said the most recent theft “made it unreasonable to undertake costly repairs to keep the facility operational for such a short time”.
Running at a loss of $228,411 per year, usage of the truck wash has declined by 73 per cent over the past year.
The closure of the facility is part of the planned redevelopment of the former Geelong Saleyards site, which will allow for the integrated planning, development and subdivision of the land, primarily for higher density housing.
A precinct plan outlines steps to create a high-amenity, walkable residential environment with high-quality public spaces, community facilities and a limited range of commercial uses.
Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj described the 4.3-hectare site as a prime location for medium to high density development given its proximity to North Geelong Railway Station.
“Developments like these will be crucial in our efforts to meet the Victorian Government’s ambitious target of 128,600 additional homes in Greater Geelong by 2051,” he said.
“With Geelong’s population rapidly expanding, we can’t just build out – we also need to look for ways to build up in our CBD and established suburbs.”