The City will encourage the state government to investigate alternative locations for a train stabling and maintenance facility in Waurn Ponds.
Council has voted to make a submission to Amendment GC104 after Rail Projects Victoria (RPV) requested a change to the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme. RPV wants to compulsorily acquire 61 hectares of privately-owned farm land at 255 Reservoir Road, Waurn Ponds to stable and maintain more than 25 trains.
The City believes the proposed acquisition, development and use of the 24/7 facility would significantly affect the historic farm's operation and needs to be carefully considered. An acquisition would divide the farm in two, with the house, sheds and other facilities being split from the main sheep paddocks.
The City's submission will request RPV expands the Advisory Committee Terms of Reference to review all available site options for the facility. It will request an assessment of all potential site options is made publicly available, to give stakeholders the chance to weigh up the pros and cons of various sites.
The City will also request the Advisory Committee hearing scheduled for October is deferred, to allow for an extended period for the community to have its say.
The submission will request RPV makes every effort to minimise the impact on the local community, including potential off-site noise, light and visual impacts.
The City recognises and supports the need for a train stabling and maintenance facility west of the Waurn Ponds Railway Station. The facility would allow for improved services on the Geelong line, as the region's population continues to grow.
Amendment GC104 is onpublic exhibition until 16 September. 2019
Councillor Bruce Harwood - Mayor
While we recognise this train stabling facility is very important to improve services for Geelong, we think alternative locations should also be strongly explored, and clear reasons given for any non-preferred site.
Councillor Ron Nelson - Kardinia ward
We recognise the need for a train stabling facility in the Waurn Ponds area, which would make a significant difference for commuters on the Geelong line.However, I've visited the family farm a couple of times and I don't believe this is the right location. While this is a state government decision, council is committed to providing assistance and support to stakeholders by making a submission. It's important to get this right the first time.
