Tick for Leopold centre
A CHILDCARE centre proposed for Leopold is set to go ahead following a review at the state’s planning tribunal.
The Victorian Civil Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) granted a permit for the project at 219 Melaluka Road last week after a two-day hearing this month.
Under the plans, the centre would operate on weekdays from 7am-6.30pm and accommodate up to 92 children.
The permit comes despite residents’ concerns.
Objector Trevor Walsh aired his concerns at the hearing on behalf of six residents in a bid to prompt VCAT to overturn the City of Greater Geelong’s approval of the facility.
Mr Walsh submitted that the council’s approval was inconsistent with a refusal for a 130-place childcare and medical centre on a nearby property in 2017.
Other concerns included that the proposal would be a commercial intrusion into the semi-rural setting, resulting in unacceptable visual impact, increased traffic and noise.
But VCAT senior member Margaret Baird backed the council decision to grant the permit, subject to conditions, arguing the current proposal was of a “lesser scale and intensity” to the previous application that had been refused.
“Although I agree with Mr Walsh that the use is an urban one and will attract a considerable number of people, in the site’s context, I do not consider this to be a reason to refuse the application,” Ms Baird said.
“I am satisfied that potential impacts arising from the proposed childcare centre can be managed and contained.”
LOCAL lifesaving clubs have been nominated for a number of awards celebrating their hard work keeping the community safe.
Anglesea, Ocean Grove, Lorne, Torquay, Fairhaven and Point Lonsdale surf lifesaving clubs have all received nominations in Life Saving Victoria’s Awards of Excellence, with winners to be revealed this weekend.
Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club has nominees for major awards including lifesaver of the year, volunteer of the year and youth lifesaver of the year. Its nippers in schools program has also been nominated for the community education award.
Fairhaven SLSC has been nominated for club of the year.
LSV president Paul James said the annual awards celebrated the dedicated contributions to lifesaving each year.
“This year’s awards will take the form of an online ceremony, free for all to tune into, starting at 7pm on Saturday, August 1, on Facebook, YouTube and the LSV web page,” he said.
“While we can’t come together in person at our usual gala dinner this year, we’re encouraging lifesaving club and aquatic industry members — as well as their friends, family and supporters — to come together virtually on the night in support of those nominated for awards.”
Visit the LSV Awards of Excellence web page for the viewing link and details of how to get involved: lsv.com.au/2020-awards-ofexcellence/