The City of Greater Geelong has replied to the State Government’s claims they’ve stood in the way of housing projects in the region.
The Allan Government has taken over four Precinct Structure Plans (PSP) they say the local council has been inactive on, but Deputy Mayor Eddy Kontelj argued the suggestion is inaccurate.
“I welcome any effort that helps deliver more housing for Geelong, but it’s important to set the record straight,” he said.
“The City of Greater Geelong has been working diligently for many years to plan for growth, and at no stage has the State Government formally raised concerns with us that Council was failing to progress this work appropriately.”
“The reality is that a number of these projects have faced delays outside Council’s control, including State Government approval processes, environmental assessments and delayed responses on key matters required to move precinct planning forward.
“We remain committed to working constructively with the State Government, because our priority has always been the same, delivering the housing, infrastructure and long term planning our growing community needs.”
The City said they have a proven record for growth planning, with seven PSPs delivered over the past 10-15 years.
They explained the Elcho Road East PSP was delayed by two years, as further surveys and habitat assessments were needed following the rediscovery of the Victorian Grassland Earless Dragon, a nationally endangered species.
The say they’ve been unable to submit the Creamery Road PSP for Ministerial approval as it is still with the Minister’s independent Standing Advisory Committee, which is yet to provide its report.
As for the Batesford North PSP, the local council says the project was delayed before work could even begin as they waited seven months for a response to their request for State Government support.
