Plans for a major new tourist park in Northern Geelong have hit a significant roadblock, with council officers recommending the proposal be thrown out. A $10 million development application for a cabin and caravan park on the Princes Highway in Lara is set to be considered by the City of Greater Geelong's planning committee, but the official advice is to reject it.
Officers Cite Flooding and Planning Concerns
The detailed proposal, submitted by applicant John Ruyg on behalf of the landowner, envisioned a substantial tourism facility. The plan included 51 caravan and camping sites, 15 cabins, a camp kitchen, a recreation room, and a swimming pool. The site, located at 385 Princes Highway, Lara, is currently vacant land.
However, in a report prepared for councillors, City of Greater Geelong planning officers have raised several critical objections. A primary concern is the site's location within a Land Subject to Inundation overlay. Officers argue the proposal does not adequately demonstrate how the development would be protected from flood risk or how safe refuge for visitors and staff would be ensured during a flood event.
Furthermore, the officers' assessment concludes the plan is inconsistent with the local planning scheme. They state the proposal does not represent an appropriate use of the land within the Farming Zone and fails to meet the necessary criteria for a tourism use in that location. The report also notes that the development would represent a form of "ad hoc rural residential development" which is not supported by the zone's purpose.
Developer's Vision Versus Council's Verdict
The applicant's vision was to create a modern tourist park catering to the growing demand for regional and nature-based travel. The proposal highlighted the economic benefits, including job creation during construction and ongoing operation, as well as providing a new tourism option for visitors to the Geelong and Bellarine region.
Despite these argued benefits, the council officers' recommendation is clear. Their report, which will guide the decision of the elected councillors, firmly advises that the planning application for the 385 Princes Highway caravan and cabin park be refused. The matter is scheduled for a hearing and decision at the upcoming council planning committee meeting.
What Happens Next for the $10M Project?
The final decision now rests with the City of Greater Geelong's councillors. While they heavily consider the officer's recommendation, they are not bound by it and could theoretically vote to approve the project against advice. Such a move would be unusual and would require strong justification.
If the councillors follow the recommendation and reject the application, the developer would have the right to appeal the decision to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). This independent tribunal could then review the case and make a binding ruling, potentially overturning the council's decision.
The outcome will be closely watched by local residents, the tourism industry, and other developers, as it signals the council's stance on significant commercial developments in the city's northern growth corridors and within areas prone to environmental constraints like flooding.
