Geelong
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Friday, 25 October, 2013
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Growing threat raising fire risk By NOEL MURPHY STRONG fuel growth and difficulties with controlled burns are increasing the region’s summer fire risk, authorities have warned. CFA’s Ian Beswicke, pictured, said recent strong winds had restricted controlled burns to reduce fuel loads in risk areas across the region. “We’ve had a few controlled burns that have got away on us,� he said. “You wouldn’t think that would happen at this time of year, that they’d get away due to the wind.� Mr Beswicke said the risk factor facing the region was now high. “There’s a big risk – you’ve only got to look at New South Wales’ early fire season. “We’ve had a lot of rain and a lot of growth. There’s a lot of grass out there and with a couple of hot days and a bit of wind, which can really dry it out, you can have a fast-moving, potentially damaging grassfire.� The CFA warned last month that forests could be more flammable than usual due to last summer’s extreme dryness and heat. Mr Beswicke cautioned property-owners against keeping flammable items close to homes and urged them to begin clearing sites now. “Maintaining low fuel 10 to 20 metres around your house means you’re in a better position to survive. “The more you do to reduce the fuel the better. Don’t store firewood beside the house – even the front-door mat is a potential threat if embers land there. “Trigger points might seem only little things but they can make such a big difference.� Picture: REG RYAN
INJURY COST JOB, CLAIMS BROOKE - P5
Four-storey homes on way to suburbs, peninsula
LILY ‘ON TOP’ IN RACE FOR MAYOR - P9
Hitting new highs By KATE VALLENCE FOUR-STOREY buildings will be permitted in some Geelong suburbs after sweeping changes to zoning regulations. Geelong’s council this week endorsed the changes following Planning Minister Matthew Guy’s “reform� of zones. Existing residential zones one, two and three will be replaced with the three new zonings allowing either four, three or two storeys. A report to council said sections of LaTrobe Tce, Geelong West, Belmont and
Clifton Springs would be rezoned for up to four storeys. Newtown, North Shore and Drumcondra would be rezoned to Neighbourhood Residential Zone, allowing only two storeys, due to their high number of quality homes and allotment sizes. “It is recognised that housing at higher densities can have a greater impact on neighbourhood character than traditional detached housing,� the report said. “As housing density intensifies it is important that design quality improves to ensure a positive contribution to
the neighbourhood is achieved.� Council planning portfolio holder Rod Macdonald said the new zones intended to offer greater certainty about the type of development that could be expected in a given residential area. He said the new zones would provide council with “better tools to both encourage growth and preserve urban character�. Acting mayor Bruce Harwood said he was concerned the changes would have a “detrimental effect� on the community and the “true character� of iconic areas. Cr Kylie Fisher said she was uneasy at
the height of new developments and their broader impact on future public housing developments, particularly in the northern suburbs. Mayoral candidate Cr John Irvine voted against the amendments, saying they were unfair and inequitable. Mayoral candidate and architect Greg Jones said the changes presented some challenges but Geelong had to modernise its thinking on planning matters. “We need to get on with it,� he said. Council voted to place the proposed changes on display for public consultation.
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