New Planning Controls for Geelong Passed

The Victorian government has announced planning controls for the state’s second-largest city that focus on jobs, services, housing and key tourism destinations within Central Geelong.

Wadawurrung traditional owners informed the structure of the ‘Central Geelong Framework Plan—A Plan for the heart of Djilang 2022’, which was passed via an amendment to the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme this month.

Providing feedback were the City of Greater Geelong, the Geelong Authority, land owners and community and other stakeholders.

The plan includes guidelines for building design as well as improvements to city streets, public spaces and public transport.

While there are 20,000 jobs and 2500 residents in Central Geelong, the plan is expected to help deliver 60,000 jobs and 16,000 residents by 2050.

Member for Greater Geelong Christine Couzens said there would be protections against excessive overshadowing and better protection of heritage buildings.

“We’re ensuring growth in Geelong is appropriate, directed to the right areas and protects what makes our city such a great place,” Couzens said. 

▲ Amber Property Group's Cunningham Place project at Geelong opposite Cunningham Pier.

Victorian planning minister Sonya Kilkenny said the goal of the plan was to provide clarity for investors and the community while ensuring central Geelong maintained its status as a UNESCO City of Design.

“Central Geelong is significant to the state and the Barwon region, and better design guidelines will protect important community values and provide greater certainty for investors to plan ahead,” Kilkenny said.

It also takes into account projects under way, including future stages of the Malop Street Green Spine, the Arts and Culture precinct, laneways and the projects under the $500-million Geelong City Deal, which will include the future Exhibition and Convention Centre.

Geelong is enjoying an increase in demand for tourism accommodation, housing and other needs after the move by the Spirit of Tasmania to its port and its selection as a host venue for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.