All the latest Geelong region development news for the week of July 26, 2021

An iconic piece of Lorne history that was due to be torn down to allow a new development could be granted a last-minute lifeline due to an unexpected planning bungle­.

An iconic Lorne fishing cooperative could be granted a last-minute lifeline due to an unexpected planning bungle­.

Community members have been campaigning to save the 73-year-old Lorne Fisherman’s Co-operative, set to be knocked down to make way for the $10.45m Point Grey Precinct.

Surf Coast Shire originally greenlit the project last year, and residents appealed to the state’s planning tribunal.

But the VCAT process revealed part of the land – a local road – previously thought to be under the control of the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority, was actually the responsibility of the Surf Coast Shire.

Under the planning scheme, relevant public land managers must consent to planning permit applications being made.

As a result, VCAT opted to put its consideration on hold so the Great Ocean Road authority could request council approval.

But councillors at Tuesday night’s Surf Coast Shire meeting opted to hold off on responding until September, choosing instead to defer the decision to September’s council meeting and inviting someone from the Great Ocean Road authority to brief councillors.

Some residents say the redevelopment, complete with 160-seat restaurant, angling club and scenic lookout, doesn’t recognise the area’s cultural and historical significance of the local fishing industry.

Cr Gary Allen pointed to serious local traffic management issues also raised as part of the VCAT case.

“It is not a proper excuse that we were not aware of our status when making the decision that fundamentally affects the ability of the land to be used for its designated purposes as a road,” he said.

“We must properly turn our minds as to whether the land is actually used for road purposes before consent is given or denied.”

Cr Allen said the public “must” be consulted and the new council group be fully briefed before moving forward with a decision.

“In the selection of the preferred design to replace a demolish co-operative, the Lorne community was not consulted,” he said.

“The design brief was never made public and the selection process cloaked in secrecy. The community favours refurbishment.”

Councillors also acknowledged the work of Lawrie Baker, who passed away recently after a campaign to preserve Lorne’s heritage.

A petition to keep the old co-op building was signed by 1500 people last year.

The project would be delivered in partnership with the federal government as part of the Geelong City Deal.

A state government spokeswoman said in March works were expected to be completed in late 2023.

Originally published as All the latest Geelong region development news for the week of July 26, 2021