Fears of ghetto

Waurn Ponds plans

GEELONG council has postponed a decision on rezoning a wedge of Waurn Ponds to make way for a residential development amid concerns it could create a crime-plagued “ghetto”.

Councillors moved a motion on Tuesday night to defer a decision on planning scheme amendment C372, to rezone 35 and 69-93 Hams Rd from “farming” to “general residential” to allow for a 238,600sq m development earmarked to contain more than 200 homes.

Councillor Bruce Harwood moved the motion, so the council could “again continue to have the dialogue we need”.

That comes despite the council calling on the Planning Minister to appoint an independent panel to consider submissions, including 159 objections, more than six months ago.

A panel report to the city in October supported the planning scheme amendment.

Key issues raised in the 159 objections last year included fears a high-density development would create socio-economic problems, concerns around traffic, crime and safety and environmental impacts.

“Submitters raise concerns that a ‘ghetto’ will be created, others describe potential for an isolated, congested enclave,” council officers wrote last year.

“Council officers do not agree with these submissions.”

Dozens of residents packed the City of Greater Geelong’s meeting to grill councillors on the planning amendment.

But they left without further answers after the council declined to respond to public questions on the matter.

Ghazeepore Rd resident Ross Carlson claimed the city was relying on incorrect traffic studies that hid pressure already placed on his street.

“I can’t get out of my driveway in the morning,” he said.

Exhibited plans for the Hams Rd development show an expected 258 residential lots and two medium-density “superlots” that could yield 40 lots — a total of about 300 lots.