Hearing concludes with no result

AUTHORITIES have presented a lack of “pertinent information” about the Point Grey redevelopment in Lorne, according to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), but have been given an extension to better explain their proposal.

Chair Judith Perlstein said the details put forward by the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) and the Surf Coast Shire were “not necessarily complete” and allowed another month to provide submissions, followed by a two-week period for responses from each party.

The redevelopment, approved by the shire last year, is expected to cost $10 million, with $8 million funded through the Geelong City Deal and $2 million from the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee – now GORCAPA – who are delivering the project.

Lorne residents, as well as the Lorne Aquatic and Angling Club (LAAC), appealed to VCAT to overturn the planning decision by the shire and GORCAPA, with applicants citing parking at the facility and land management as issues.

During last week’s four-day hearing, which wrapped up a day sooner than expected, GORCAPA representative Amanda Johns said the final design submitted was the most efficient and followed long consultation periods.

“The result in undertaking the analysis is also taking into account the desire of other stakeholders,” she said.

During her statement, Ms Johns said LAAC stakeholders failed to provide alternative solutions despite claiming there were other options to the layout.

“We understand it might not be as convenient but that is not the test; it should be considered on expert traffic engineering advice,” she said.

Traffic engineer Aaron Walley explained the proposed “30 movements” under changes to the layout of LAAC facilities, including the proximity of the boat ramp to the boat wash, and was confident the required number of parks was achievable even if the long spaces need to be adjusted.

However, LAAC barrister Tiphanie Acreman said the plans “reinforced the authority has no clear understanding how the boat ramp works in the precinct”.

“Mr Walley has not seen boats launched or retrieved on the boat ramp despite being involved since 2018,” she said.

“Thirty boats don’t equal 30 movements when you’re talking about launching, retrieving and entering a site.”

But Ms Perlstein said she could not “attest to these movements being viable without doing tests” on the functionality of the layout.

Applicants also raised issues over land management at the proposed site.

Solicitor Hubert Algie stated the Surf Coast Shire was the Crown land administrator of allotment 2052 with town planner for the Surf Coast Shire Ben Schmeid calling it “new information coming to light for council”.

“Our understanding in receiving the application was that it was Crown land, which wasn’t under the committee management of GORCAPA,” he said.

“It is not on the council asset register, and we don’t have any knowledge of any council person or crew taking any capital works on the land or doing any maintenance.”