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Page 2 Friday, 7 February, 2014
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WINNERS: Objectors celebrate their victory over rejected plans for a chemical factory near their homes at North Geelong. 114074 Picture: REG RYAN
Residents win chemical fight
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PROPONENTS of a controversially proposed chemical facility at North Geelong have decided against a Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal appeal. Teleta Nominees’ Ryan McGarigle confirmed the decision to allow the planning permit application for Roseneath St to lapse. Mr McGarigle said negotiations were underway with a new prospective tenant for the site, which previously accommodated a Ferro Corporation chemical storage. Mr McGarigle declined to identify the prospective tenant or its industry but said a permit would be unnecessary. A Geelong council planning panel hearing in November refused Teleta’s application for building works on the Roseneath St site. The proposal attracted 175
objections to the land’s use for chemical storage and blending. Ward councillor Eddy Kontelj said any proposal for chemical facilities on the site would require a new planning application. “Council needs to see whether it can be part of a process to encourage a different type of development there, more in tune with existing industry and having regard to the residential areas nearby,” he said. Objectors group spokesperson Anna Michalik welcomed their “significant win”. “It was really impressive how the community came together. It shows that when the community does come together like this, we are listened to. Eddy Kontelj and (Geelong MP) Ian Trezise both listened to us. “We’re absolutely elated and you can feel new energy for residents and businesses in the area. It’s like a new lease on life.”
Ms Michalik said the experience had been emotional for residents. “We were going through a lot of things because it was not only a health issue but our lives at risk. “We didn’t hold out much hope at first because of the way the system operates. It needs to be a better system when there are residential areas concerned, such as bigger buffer zones.” Ms Michalik hoped other commercial premises in the street would now be leased out after sitting idle while the saga dragged on. “We’d love to see them clean up the mess that’s there and put in an appropriate development. There are endless possibilities to service the area with its nursing homes, Arena and railway station. “There are lots of other business opportunities without dealing with chemicals.”
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