Bellarine Times
Tuesday 25 May 2010
VOL 3. No 21
www.bellarinetimes.com.au
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All aboard the Education Week express! Geelong Regional Library Corporation hosted a special train ride with storytelling last week for students from Portarlington and selected Geelong primary schools. Ready for the Shine and Discover Rail Trip were librarian Emily, conductors Kevin and Roberto and Portarlington PS students Julia and Jasmine. Photo: ALISON MARTIN
GOOD TO GO? VCAT date to decide the fate of proposed supermarket for Portarlington
BY ALISON MARTIN PLANS for a $6million full-line supermarket in Portarlington have been put on hold while two objectors take their views to VCAT. However, developer Goldstrike Developments is confident all concerns have been addressed in the City of Greater Geelong’s planning process and the supermarket will go ahead as soon as objections have been considered by the appeals tribunal. Goldstrike director, David McIntosh, said the supermarket would provide an option for local residents who were currently travelling to Drysdale or further afield for regularly shopping needs.
Surf Forecast
“We’ve always had the support of the community and we are keen to work with objectors to make sure we can start construction – which will take nine to 10 months – as soon as possible,” McIntosh said. “By building a 1600-square metre full-line supermarket we can retain business in Portarlington, residents will spend their money here and we can create up to 50 jobs.” McIntosh said the new supermarket would have a safe loading zone on the opposite side to the laneway and parking access – as per the advice of council. As a condition of the permit, the developer will also pay all costs to install pedestrian islands at both ends of the Brown Street block, plant trees along
the street and create 52 parking spaces, including 12 on-site. Portarlington Business Development Association chair, John Rae, supported the economic growth which would be created by the supermarket project. He said the jobs that would be available would provide a chance for the young people of Portarlington to earn income through part-time work. Portarlington resident, Lorraine Stokes, also threw her support behind the new supermarket, adding it would be great to have it operating for the next Christmas rush. “Even though we have two small supermarkets in Portarlington, we all tend to shop at larger
supermarkets out of town,” she said. “The new supermarket will provide more variety, create employment, open longer hours and ensure prices will be competitive. “It’s an ideal location. People will be able to park in Fenwick Street, go to the post office, go to the chemist, go to the butchers and go to the supermarket for everything you need.” McIntosh said there had been a lot of interest, but an operator had not been confirmed to date. The supermarket application will go to a VCAT hearing on July 20. If VCAT endorses council’s approval, the developer expects to have the supermarket open by July 2011.
WED 2-3ft+ peaky, E 17° THU 2-3ft easing, NE 14° FRI 1-2ft small N 15° SAT 1-2ft small N 17°
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BIG CARPET SALE 61-63 Murradoc Road, Drysdale
PH 5253 1855