PLUG PULLED ON PLANS
$30M BAYSIDE BID REJECTED
PLANS to convert a disused power station on the banks of Corio Bay into $30 million offices have been ruled out by the state government.
Opposed by GrainCorp, Barrett Burston Maltings and the Victorian Regional Channels Authority (VRCA), the plans for the Mackey Street site were called in by Planning Minister Richard Wynne almost 12 months ago.
Mr Wynne’s ruling is the end of a two-year battle by the Hamilton Group to convert the former power station into multistorey offices that could house up to 900 jobs and complement its highly praised redevelopment of Federal Mills Park on the other side of the street.
Hamilton Group managing director Cam Hamilton said he was very disappointed with the result.
“We’ll assess our options over the coming months and decide what we will do in due course,” Mr Hamilton said.
An alternative plan to build rows of sheds that would effectively present a long, 10m high concrete wall to the bay remain on the agenda.
GrainCorp, Barrett Burston Maltings and the VRCA maintain that the site, which separates historic Osborne Park from industrial activities at the port, should be retained for port-related users.
After the planning permit was supported by the City of Greater Geelong Council in December 2018, the three parties appealed to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
The application was subsequently called in by Mr Wynne, who referred it to an independent panel that heard the matter in February.
According to the VRCA — which is based at Federal Mills Park — the panel found that it was not prudent to support the planning permit application and recommended that no permit be granted.
A GrainCorp spokesperson said the company was pleased the plans had been set aside as the port played a vital role in the economy of Victoria and the region.
“As a business and an employer within the port, GrainCorp is committed to ensuring that the port’s growing range of operations can function efficiently both now and in the future,” the spokesperson said.
“We support the appropriate development of the port surroundings and the benefits it generates for our regional economy.”
VRCA chief executive Peter Mannion welcomed the significance that the decision placed on affording appropriate protection for the ongoing viability of the important port precinct.
“The protection of the operations and viability of the port is of paramount importance, which any future development within this precinct will need to keep in mind,” Mr Mannion said.