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Planning help sought for Geelong growth areas

August 5, 2022 BY

Expanding: The City of Greater Geelong is seeking help with urban plaining in growth areas of the municipality’s west and north. Photo: FILE

CITY of Greater Geelong council has asked the State Government to step in and speed up planning for its future housing areas to the north and west of municipality.

The City will request the Planning Minister, Lizzie Blandthorn, appoint a standing advisory committee to consider upcoming precinct plans.

The Northern and Western Geelong Growth Areas span 5500 hectares across Batesford and Lovely Banks, and is the largest greenfield project in regional Victoria.

The city anticipates the area will eventually be home to 110,000 residents.

Planning portfolio chair Cr Kylie Gryzbek said the idea of the SAC was to produce timely and consistent decision.

“The standing advisory committee will deal with precinct structure plans, development contributions, a biodiversity conservation strategy and any associated draft planning scheme amendments,” Cr Grzybek said.

“The committee will ensure a carefully managed and coordinated planning and approval process to deliver on our Northern and Western Geelong Growth Areas Framework Plan.”

City of Greater Geelong mayor Peter Murrihy said the committee would consider zoning changes and specific plans more efficiently.

“Our region is experiencing sustained and ongoing housing demand in urban Geelong and by choosing this path, we’ll deliver much-needed housing by streamlining the planning scheme amendment process,” he said.

“The community will still be able to scrutinise plans and have their say on the growth areas’ development.”

COGG is developing its first two precinct structure plans for the area, and will produce nine in total for state approval.

The plans outline how key community infrastructure like schools, shopping centres, parks and transport integrate into the community.

COGG will also develop biodiversity conservation strategies as part of its planning.