In a powerful demonstration of community strength, Greater Geelong council has delivered a decisive blow to controversial plans for a $1.7 million petrol station development in Armstrong Creek.
The proposed service station, which promised to bring 15 new jobs to the area, faced fierce opposition from local residents who rallied together to protect their neighbourhood's character and safety.
Community Power Prevails
More than 130 concerned citizens signed a petition opposing the development, citing numerous concerns that ultimately convinced councillors to reject the application. The collective voice of the community proved too powerful to ignore.
Local residents raised several critical issues with the proposed development:
- Traffic safety concerns at the already busy intersection
- Potential environmental impacts on the surrounding area
- Questions about the necessity of another service station in the growing suburb
- Preservation of the area's residential character
Council's Decisive Stance
Despite the developer's arguments about job creation and convenience for local motorists, councillors sided with the community. The planning committee unanimously agreed that the potential risks outweighed the benefits.
This decision marks a significant victory for community-led planning and demonstrates that when residents unite around shared concerns, they can influence important development decisions in their neighbourhoods.
The refusal sends a clear message to developers that community consultation isn't just a formality - it's an essential part of the planning process in Geelong's growing suburbs.
