TORQUAY BACKPACKERS PLAN SLAMMED
RESIDENTS SLAM TORQUAY PLAN
ANGRY residents have slammed the latest addition to a proposed multi-million-dollar Torquay development, which is already set to feature a KFC, cinema and service station.
Lions Village Torquay is furious that the site’s developer, Baines Torquay, has included a 56-bed “party central” backpackers’ hotel within metres of its retirement homes under new plans.
Village residents fear the facilities planned for the venue, such as the bar and open terraces, will see
“revellers” drinking, dancing and playing loud music less than 20m from their units.
Village chair John McDonald said residents were concerned the rowdy behaviour of young international travellers at the three-storey budget hotel would ruin the retirement community’s peaceful environment.
“The village lifestyle is all about older people having a safe, pleasant neighbourhood with great facilities and community connections on a site close to the centre of Torquay,” Mr McDonald said. “This will be totally compromised by a backpackers right next door.” The backpackers’ venue forms part of a $29 million development planned for 85 Geelong Rd, on the corner of Grossmans Rd and the Surf Coast Highway.
Fast-food stores including KFC, 7-Eleven, Zambero and Bean Squeeze are also slated to spring up under the proposal.
Baines Torquay first lodged the permit application to the Surf Coast Shire Council in 2018, but resubmitted its plans in April after the previous proposal failed to show the intentions for the whole site — including the backpackers’ hotel.
The village said it welcomed “many other” aspects of the development, such as a 600-seat cinema, medical centre and convenience store.
But with one-third of the units adjacent to the budget hotel, Mr McDonald said the “financial base” of Torquay’s oldest retirement village is at risk.
“Unit values are sure to be affected,” he said.
“Many residents rely on the proceeds of the sale of their unit to fund access to aged care when they can no longer live independently.
“A drop in unit value will have enormous consequences for those residents.”
According to Baines Torquay’s application, the proposal will “benefit visitors to Torquay as well as local residents”.
“The proposal will make a significant contribution to council’s strategic directions for the Torquay Township and represents a net community benefit in providing tourism as well as a mix of essential community facilities,” it said.
Public submissions for the development will close this week.
The plans can be viewed at eplanning.surfcoast.vic.gov.au.