Geelong council moves to block Coles at Swan Bay wetlands
Geelong council wants to rezone a Point Lonsdale site for tourism only. This would block a planned Coles supermarket near wetlands.
The City of Greater Geelong has asked the Victorian government to rezone a piece of land near Point Lonsdale. The rezoning would stop Coles from building a supermarket there.
Community members have strongly opposed the Coles project since learning about the plans in April last year. The Stop Coles Steering Committee says a big supermarket at the town entrance would harm nearby Ramsar-listed wetlands.
They worry it would hurt local shopping strips. It would also repeat services already provided by supermarkets in Ocean Grove and Drysdale.
Coles says the project is still in early planning stages. No formal application has been made yet.
The Victorian government will now decide whether to approve the rezoning.
- Point Lonsdale
- Location
- Stop Coles Steering Committee
- Opposition group
- Ramsar-listed wetlands
- Protected area
- Supermarkets in Ocean Grove and Drysdale
- Nearby alternatives
Why it mattersIf approved, the rezoning protects fragile wetlands and local traders. Many residents say the town does not need another supermarket.
AustraliaPoint Lonsdale and Queenscliff residents and environmental advocates are waiting for the Victorian government's decision on whether to approve the council's rezoning request before the November state election.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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