An elephant remains
THE Highton community has won the battle, but has it won the war? After an intense and meticulously planned campaign, traders and locals have stopped a sweeping remake of the precinct that would have changed its unique character and appeal.
That they forced Geelong council to dilute its plans reflects not only commitment and determination, but people power’s capacity to influence decision-makers divorced from grassroot sentiments.
It has been a lengthy, exhausting process that began in 2016, when locals became aware of the council’s intentions through an urban design framework, which is planning speak for new is better than old. (Wrong; look at the disaster it is about to create in Pakington St!)
This template would have allowed multi-storey development, dramatically altered traffic flows, removed the landmark clock tower and reduced parking.
The community saw it differently. Mayhem, congestion and disruption, they countered. Overkill that would destroy the ambience, convenience and accessibility, they argued.
In the past six years, there has been a draft framework, an interim final and a final, with considerable tweaking along the way. An 80-page officers’ report was produced, then deferred.
Opponents held meetings, issued invitations to councillors (generally ignored, except for advocate Ron Nelson) and attracted 4000 signatures on a protest petition.
Posters, emails and rally maintained the rage.
But there was more. A proposal to relocate the Highton library was withdrawn after condemnation it was unwarranted, plans were poorly documented and the land on which it stood, gifted to the community by the progress association in 1926, should be left well alone.
Initially, a single traffic lane through the village was proposed; ridiculous when 7000 vehicles a day use this Belle Vue Ave thoroughfare.
It’s disappeared. So too have five crossings. Other flagged changes – to the roundabout, effective slipway onto Barrabool Rd and favoured parking bays – also have been scrapped. Overall, common sense has prevailed, a recent rarity at City
Hall when it comes to bike lanes and ubiquitous design frameworks in Geelong West and South Geelong.
To its credit, the council has acknowledged community views and, in doing so, the perceived failings of the proposed overhaul. Opponents have achieved major concessions in protecting the village’s qualities and identity.
Graham Hobbs, a local businessman, trader and resident for 44 years responsible for the HandsOff Highton campaign, stresses opposition has not centred on antidevelopment. Rather, it has been inappropriate development and destruction of character, convenience and access.
Yes, some may consider the village a little tired, but the precinct will be given a welcome cosmetic facelift.
While opponents can enjoy their victory, there is still an elephant in the room.
The framework limits building heights to 9m in Belle Vue Ave, but refers to mixed-use development up to four storeys “that respects the village’s low-scale built form”.
That comment has many people confused and concerned. Does it mean high-rises will be allowed nearby?
Certainly, speculation is rife that Woolworths behind Belle Vue Ave plans extending – upwards – on its private holding. If true, many locals will not be happy.