A reminder of the
'Vision for Waurn Ponds Creek'

Remnant blackwood trees on the creek bank
Photo. Valda Dedman

The Friends of Waurn Ponds Creek have undertaken to improve and restore the indigenous vegetation to its natural state after 150 years of European settlement. To ensure a uniform approach to the whole creek corridor we are following the Flora and Revegetation Plan compiled by Trevor Pescott. The Fof WPC are many residents that live along the corridor and are very passionate about the creek and parkland. They are assisted by many volunteer groups such as local schools, Lions and Rotary Clubs. Without any of these or future volunteers, no reinstatement would or will be possible.

• To create a clean, green corridor and provide a natural habitat for native birds and animals
• To prevent further degradation of the creek banks
• To provide shelter and shade for Park users
• To screen commercial developments and enhance visual impact
• To encourage custodianship and to educate the community of the importance of returning the creek to its natural state.

A bend in the creek, in need of restoration, showing soil profile
Photo. Valda Dedman

Enforcement order in relation to
Waurn Ponds Home Maker Centre

Current Development Update

This enforcement order is between Armstrong Jones Management (the now owner of the Home Maker Centre) and Waurn Ponds Home Maker Centre (the developers of the centre) to jointly address the issues, which were raised through the enforcement order proceedings.

Victorian Civil & Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) issued an enforcement order in late 2004 to require a number of works to be undertaken on the subject site and immediately beyond this site. These works are to address concerns in relation to the property and specific concerns to residential properties on the opposite side of the Waurn Ponds Creek.

To date there have been no works or provision of information in accordance with this order. Given the lack of progress in relation to this matter, the City of Greater Geelong has handed this matter to its solicitors and asked them to progress towards a Magistrates' Court prosecution for non-compliance with the order.

The City is committed to seeing these enforcement order directions complied with as soon as possible. For further information please do not hesitate to contact F of WPC.

Future Development update

Application reference number 1696/2004

A notice for an application for a planning permit has been lodged with the City for Earth Tech Engineering Pty.Ltd. The land affected is at 195-217 Colac Road, Waurn Ponds.

This parcel of land is behind the Waurn Ponds Hotel up to the existing Home Maker Centre.

The application is for a permit to develop sixteen restricted retail premises and the development and use of one warehouse and one convenience restaurant and part waiving of car parking requirement.

The Fof WPC will be lodging an objection for the purpose of consideration as part of the planning process.

You may look at the application and any documents that support the application at:
The City of Greater Geelong.
City Development Offices -
131 Myers St, Geelong

Belmont Customer Service Centre,
Belmont Library - 163 High St. Belmont.

This application is inclusive of Faggs Bros Pty.Ltd. original application for six showrooms on the corner of Rossack Drive.

Convenors' Column

As most of you may be aware Jackie Lukacz will vacate the position of Convenor/ Secretary over the next couple of months. As a result of her departure Glen Stephenson and Jillian Henderson from 'M' Zone have volunteered to take over this role in a joint capacity.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Jackie for all her work with the Fof WPC and its development over the years of her service. We wish her all the best for the future.

Reports from 'Zones'

'M' Zone reports last year's planting was very successful. They have lost very few trees and are planning another planting during June 05 with extensions and additional plantings to existing plots. The planting allocations for the new section of parkland along Burgundy Ave, Waurn Ponds, are with the Environmental Unit of CoGG and we should know in the near future as to where and what we can plant. No updates reported from any other zones.

Plant Order

We are pleased to advise our plant order for 2005 has been filled. Thanks to all those people who have been helping out at Barwon Water Community Nursery.