CRAMMING HOUSES IN A RECIPE FOR DISASTER

HOUSE growth rate in CoGG is so unsustainable it is obscene. Another 2500 micro house lots approved, this time at Armstrong Creek and Leopold.

Why can’t councillors resist the fake arguments of the senior bureaucrats and developers that maximising the growth of small blocks is the best way forward for current ratepayers.

The planning scheme process is a failure because it operates in an isolationist bubble that does not factor in infrastructure needs or costs or lifestyle consequences.

New houses now occupy entire properties. No room to plant trees for shade, meaning masses of hot boxes in summer relying on energy-thirsty airconditioners. Streets too narrow for passing and parking. Creating slummy areas full of new houses. No future water security. No future power security. No future gas security. Fake economics.

An extra $4 million in rates a year but costs of services and infrastructure are millions more. More debt later. Repayments rob money for current ratepayer needs. Higher rates.

Oh, and now they must build a new Taj Mahal office for $90 million for the bureaucrats. What with? More debt. What for?

They are in for four years and then gone, leaving a future mess for the current ratepayer. They are ruining our environmental lifestyle.

How can we make them accountable to the current ratepayers rather than subservient to bureaucrats and developers? Denis O’Bryan, Secretary, Ratepayers Geelong Inc