The City of Greater Geelong is celebrating a win on behalf of the Lara community after Fire Services Victoria withdrew its bid to build a new fire station opposite the Serendip Wildlife Sanctuary.
The withdrawal of the VCAT appeal, which had been lodged after the committee’s refusal of a permit in June last year, vindicates the position that the emergency services facility was not in keeping with this area of Lara.
The Planning Committee, made up of councillors, voted unanimously to refuse the permit.
The committee’s decision was about environmental protection, preserving the rural feel of the area, and listening to the views of the community.
Planning Committee Chair, Councillor Kylie Grzybek
We are fully supportive of our State’s Fire Services and the incredible work they do protecting our community. This decision was always about getting the balance right and we’re so happy to get the right outcome for the Lara community.Serendip Sanctuary is home to hundreds of native animals, including rare and endangered species and we felt it was important to protect this habitat. This news is a real win for the local community and a credit to those who lobbied against the proposal.
Windermere Ward Councillor, Anthony Aitken
We value and appreciate the services provided by Fire Rescue Victoria and the hard work they do keep our communities safe. However, this was just the wrong spot in terms of the zoning of the area and the impacts on the native habitat. It would cause too much disruption to local wildlife and natural aspects of Serendip, which is a place that is treasured by many people and we have a responsibility to project it. Well done to Fire Services Victoria for recognising the community was clearly against this proposal and withdrawing its appeal to VCAT.
