Seawall plans for Barwon Heads riverside mansion raises ire of locals

Angry Barwon Heads residents continue to raise concerns about a proposed riverside mansion, as plans for a concrete seawall at the site are put out for public consultation.

Barwon Heads residents, including Judy and Bruce Wilson, are opposing a major development along the riverfront. Picture: Alison Wynd.

 

A seawall forming part of a controversial Barwon Heads riverside mansion has been labelled “unacceptable” by nearby residents who fear the project will mar the riverfront’s quaint outlook.

Geelong council has put plans for the $1m wall out for public consultation, with documents indicating its proposed height has reduced significantly from what was previously indicated.

Local resident Judy Wilson said she, along with many others, were concerned that the solid concrete wall would impact the river flow.

She said other properties along the river had all been required to build cantilevered platforms, which allowed the river to move freely with water flowing underneath.

“The last five properties that have been built on the riverfront were not permitted to build a solid construction and had to cantilever their frontages so not interfere with the river flow,” she said.

“Not only is a cantilevered platform more aesthetically attractive on the water’s edge, but the highest priority should be the river flow and health of the river system.”

Of the height reduction of the proposed wall, Ms Wilson said: “It is an improvement but still higher than the surrounding properties and an unacceptable construction.”

The multi-storey mansion would be built across for four consolidated blocks on Paringa Lane and Talbot St and was expected to include seven living spaces, 10 bedrooms, a bar, cinema, elevator, golf simulator, outdoor space and seawall.

Barwon Heads residents slammed the development in July, citing fears the project would irreparably alter the town’s character.

The land was bought for more than $25m over the past seven years by John and Lauraine Luckock.

They are the parents of multi-millionaire European-based businessmen Ben and Nick Luckock.

Ben is the global head of oil at one of the world’s largest commodities companies, Trafigura.

Nick is a senior figure at specialist growth equity investment firm Verdane, and also a director of League One English soccer club Bolton Wanderers.

A version of the plans were approved by City Hall earlier this year, but following the residents’ criticism, council requested more information regarding the construction of the seawall, ramp access and alterations to site levels at the property.

It is understood the request for further information was made while the Luckocks were awaiting an assessment on the seawall by the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CCMA).

The subsequent report indicated the seawall was not expected to cause adverse offsite impacts, and would have a negligible flooding impact within the Barwon River itself.

Based on this, the CCMA’s referral said it did not object to the granting of a seawall permit.

The Luckocks were contacted for comment.

Originally published as Seawall plans for Barwon Heads riverside mansion raises ire of locals