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.<\/p>\n
The City will request the Planning Minister, Lizzie Blandthorn, appoint a standing advisory committee to consider upcoming precinct plans.<\/p>\n
The Northern and Western Geelong Growth Areas span 5500 hectares across Batesford and Lovely Banks, and is the largest greenfield project in regional Victoria.<\/p>\n
The city anticipates the area will eventually be home to 110,000 residents.<\/p>\n
Planning portfolio chair Cr Kylie Gryzbek said the idea of the SAC was to produce timely and consistent decision.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe standing advisory committee will deal with precinct structure plans, development contributions, a biodiversity conservation strategy and any associated draft planning scheme amendments,\u201d Cr Grzybek said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe committee will ensure a carefully managed and coordinated planning and approval process to deliver on our Northern and Western Geelong Growth Areas Framework Plan.\u201d<\/p>\n
City of Greater Geelong mayor Peter Murrihy said the committee would consider zoning changes and specific plans more efficiently.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur region is experiencing sustained and ongoing housing demand in urban Geelong and by choosing this path, we\u2019ll deliver much-needed housing by streamlining the planning scheme amendment process,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe community will still be able to scrutinise plans and have their say on the growth areas\u2019 development.\u201d<\/p>\n
COGG is developing its first two precinct structure plans for the area, and will produce nine in total for state approval.<\/p>\n
The plans outline how key community infrastructure like schools, shopping centres, parks and transport integrate into the community.<\/p>\n
COGG will also develop biodiversity conservation strategies as part of its planning.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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 […]<\/p>\n