The City of Greater Geelong (CoGG) has received conditional authorisation from the Minister for Planning, the Hon. Sonya Kilkenny MP, to progress a planning amendment supporting tourism uses at 2341-2349 Bellarine Highway, Point Lonsdale.
The Minister granted conditional authorisation on Tuesday 27 October.
Under Special Use Zone 19, the site would only be able to be used for tourism purposes, such as low-scale tourism accommodation.
The amendment would resolve a long-standing inconsistency between the site's zoning and the strategic planning direction established for the site in the Point Lonsdale Structure Plan 2009.
CoGG has worked alongside the Borough of Queenscliffe, recognising the importance of the site to the surrounding communities in both municipalities.
With conditional authorisation now granted, CoGG can progress the planning scheme amendment, subject to the Minister's conditions. This process is expected to include a public exhibition period, giving the community an opportunity to review the proposed amendment and provide feedback.
When CoGG submitted the amendment for authorisation, Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM said this step was a win for the local community.
"Residents in Point Lonsdale, Queenscliff and surrounding areas have told us loud and clear that they want 2341-2349 Bellarine Highway, to be developed in line with the long-term vision for low-scale tourism," Mayor Kontelj said.
"Submitting the amendment to Minister Kilkenny is an important step to deliver on the Structure Plan and allow the community the chance to have their say through a formal process."
Borough of Queenscliffe Mayor Donnie Grigau said the amendment process from here would provide further opportunities for community feedback.
"This is an important step towards planning controls that support the long-term vision for the site, while providing transparency and meaningful opportunities for community input as the amendment progresses."
To keep up to date on the amendment progress, head to CoGG's project page - Amendment C495 - Tourism Site - Point Lonsdale
