PORT IN A STORM
Powerhouse plan in limbo amid fresh legal challenge
THE tech hub planned for North Geelong’s former power station site is in limbo, with a new legal challenge launched against the project by users of the neighbouring port.
The proposed development is forecast to deliver up to 1000 hi-tech jobs on the disused waterfront site, but objectors say it would threaten the jobs of wharfies, farmers and others who rely on the Port of Geelong.
The Mackey St development is now bound for the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, with GrainCorp, the Victorian Regional Channels Authority and the Barrett Burston Malting Company all launching appeals, and the Victorian Farmer’s Federation confirming its opposition to the project.
THE tech hub planned for North Geelong’s former power station site is in limbo, with a new legal challenge launched against the project by users of the neighbouring port.
The proposed development is forecast to deliver up to 1000 hi-tech jobs on the disused waterfront site, but objectors say it would threaten the jobs of wharfies, farmers and others who rely on the Port of Geelong.
After being approved by a City of Greater Geelong planning committee last month, the Mackey St development is now bound for a hearing at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
GrainCorp, the Victorian Regional Channels Authority and the Barrett Burston Malting Company have all launched appeals to the tribunal, and the Victorian Farmer’s Federation has also confirmed its opposition to the project.
It’s expected the tribunal will appoint a panel to hear the objections later this year.
The objectors say the development of an office complex close to the Port of Geelong would inhibit the port’s ability to operate efficiently, arguing the site — previously home to the Powerhouse graffiti art dis- play — should maintain its industrial zoning.
They fear the office complex would inevitably lead to complaints about trucks, noise and dust coming from the port, and that such complaints might prompt tighter restrictions on the port’s operation.
“At the moment we can op- erate the port 24/7, which means the Victorian supply chain has a competitive advantage,” GrainCorp’s Craig Cochrane said. “The idea they (the developers) have got sounds fantastic, it’s just the wrong place for it.”
The David Hamilton Property Group is behind the pro- posed seven-storey complex.
Spokesman Cameron Hamilton said it was frustrating to hit a new delay. He said his firm was close to securing a major tenant for the facility from outside Geelong, but the holdup might see the business move elsewhere in regional Victoria.
“It is definitely in jeopardy (because of the delay). We’re doing our best to come up with a temporary solution for them,” Mr Hamilton said.
“We think it’s a delaying tactic (from the objectors), so we’re keen to get the matter in front of VCAT as soon as possible and get it resolved.”
VRCA chief Michael Harvey said trade through the Port of Geelong was expected to double in the next 30 years, but that would only be possible if it was “able to maintain its social licence to operate”.
“The city has grown up around the port … it’s an industrial site,” he said.
“I believe it (the power station proposal) would, at some point in time, constrain the operational flexibility or efficiency of the port. The port supports a lot of jobs and a lot of economic activity, and we want to grow that not constrain it.”
But Mr Hamilton said his firm’s project promised huge economic benefits for Geelong’s northern suburbs, where unemployment was traditionally high, and had support from other business.
“It’s aimed at expanding on the success of the (nearby) Federal Mills office space. We originally planned to have food and drink (outlets) incorporated into the project, but there were objections to that, so we removed that part of the plan. Unfortunately, it now looks like that wasn’t enough for them,” he said. “If there’s problems with their operation then they need to clean that up. If there’s no problem they won’t have any concerns”.
A date for the VCAT hearing is yet to be set.