Update On Growth Areas

Council has been provided with an annual report on the progress of the Northern and Western Geelong Growth Areas precinct structure planning program.

Spanning 5,500 hectares from Lovely Banks to Fyansford, the growth areas will provide for our region's future housing needs. An estimated 110,000 residents will eventually call these areas home.

The report provides an update on the four Precinct Structure Plans (PSP) being prepared by the City:

1. Creamery Road PSP - We're expecting Council to adopt the final PSP in September, following landowner consultation, completion of the precinct infrastructure design and development contribution plan, and updates to relevant technical studies.
2. Elcho Road East PSP - This PSP continues to progress despite some challenges with the area's complex topography and biodiversity values, including the re-discovery of the Victorian Grassland Earless Dragon in a similar habitat. We have consulted with landowners about a draft future urban structure. Our remaining technical work will continue once the Victorian Grassland Earless Dragon habitat suitability mapping and targeted surveys are finalised.
3. Elcho Road West PSP (including Heales Road West) and Batesford North PSP - Landowners are reviewing the third-party funding agreements for technical studies that will help to deliver the precinct structure plans and technical work.

We are undertaking field surveys across the growth areas following the recently rediscovered Victorian Grassland Earless Dragon in similar habitat.

These studies will take several months, with the results informing where conservation areas will be included in future development.

A planning scheme amendment to implement the recommendations and changes to the Northern and Western Geelong Growth Areas framework plan is expected in 2025.

Technical work is underway on a Geelong Growth Areas Transport and Services Strategy, including the design and costing of three bridges in the western growth area.

Mayor Trent Sullivan

A lot of in-depth work has been undertaken by the City to progress the precinct structure plans.

Investigations and engagement with multiple stakeholders continues so that we can fully understand and respond to the complexities for each precinct in the Northern and Western Geelong Growth Areas.

The precinct structure planning program is happening concurrently with securing federal environmental approvals to minimise the risk that the proposed conservation outcomes don't align with regulations.

Councillor Jim Mason, chair of the City Planning and Heritage portfolio

I thank the public for its feedback last year on the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Plan and Geelong Strategic Assessment.

Thanks to the insights of the community, the Northern and Western Geelong Growth Areas will eventually provide diverse housing options close to facilities and infrastructure.