Welcome to TLC Group Inc Website
TOWNSHIP OF LARA CARE GROUP INC
Welcome you to a CELEBRATION in recognition and thanks to all of our supporters
who helped us protect Serendip Sanctuary from the thrust of developers for these last 8yrs!
We applaud & commend Matthew Guy’s decision for opposing C73….and for recognising
the voice of the people, our land ,wildlife and natural assets.
Let’s CELEBRATE SERENDIP SANCTUARY!
12pm
Sunday 11th December
Serendip Sanctuary, 100 Windermere Rd, Lara Victoria 3212
*Have a picnic, Great B.B.Q amenities present.
*45min from Melb (Avalon turnoff)
Matthew Guy
State Planning Minister Visited Serendip 1/12/11
MEDIA RELEASE
PROTECT SERENDIP SANCTUARY UPDATE
12 November 2011
TLC GROUP TO MEET WITH PLANNING MINISTER
Township of Lara Care Group are pleased to advise that it has secured another meeting with State Planning Minister Matthew Guy to reinforce its concerns over rezoning 38 hectares of rural land directly opposite Serendip Sanctuary to Residential 1 Zoning, a move that will allow 380+ houses in a high density development.
The C73 Amendment at present has been called in and is currently being considered by Minister Guy. TLC Group will make the case to the Minister that to rezone this land sets a dangerous precedent for open slather development and places Serendip Sanctuary, and the very survival of its wildlife, at risk.
This land is an important wildlife corridor. High density housing opposite the Sanctuary will bring increased numbers of cats and dogs.
We are not opposed to development however careful and balanced planning is required for us all by Local and State Government. Lara residents recognize that Lara is designated as a growth region in the City of Greater Geelong. Close to 50 years lot supply is available for Lara’s future development needs. Lara residents say appropriate development is needed in appropriate regions. Thousands of letters have been received by Minister Guy along with a further petition of near 1500 signatures stating these very concerns.
Our natural assets must always be protected for us all and for our future generations and the very existence of our wildlife.
We will also be presenting to the Minister the Serendip Tree Poster which was created by the children of Lara. Hundreds of leaves on the tree contain a child’s name that represents their voice as they too share our concerns with the wildlife that they adore. A strong relationship has been fostered with Serendip Sanctuary through the educational wetland facility that is a unique learning environment present at Serendip.
Serendip Sanctuary is internationally recognised for its captive breeding of endangered species and is a wetlands education facility managed by Parks Victoria.
In addition we have also secured a site tour this Wednesday 16th November 2011 with Shadow Planning Minister Brian Tee accompanied by Lara MP John Eren. Echidna Walkabout Eco Tour Operator Roger Smith will also be present. For the past 20 years Mr Smith has brought thousands of international visitors to Serendip Sanctuary. Mr Smith states: “There is nowhere else in the country where people can be guided up close to wild kangaroos and emus whilst viewing rare and endangered birdlife in an open range environment.” Mr Smith states that if the C73 Amendment is approved it will be the death knell of the Sanctuary and international and local tourism to the region.
We will reiterate our appeal to Minister Guy to overrule the City of Greater Geelong Council’s shameful decision, which brought about the biggest backlash in Geelong Council history, and our request that the C73 Amendment is abandoned in its entirety.
Sheryl Goatman
Spokesperson for the Township of Lara Care Group Inc. Mobile: 0418 327 403
www.tlcgrouplara.com
TLC Group Lara Inc, P O Box 281, LARA.V.3212
Echidna Walkabout Press Release Download
Tour Operator Says Housing Development Will Stop International
Protect Green Wedges & Serendip Sanctuary Rally
Parliament House 11 October
Pictured: John Eren M.P for Lara & Sheryl Goatman Spokesperson T.L.C
Please Protect Our Serendip Sanctuary Mr Guy !
Pictured are Lucy, Tess , Georgia , Caitlin , Luke and Yeti the Pony
PRESS RELEASE…………. 25\7\11
The children of Lara are trying to secure an appointment with the State Planning Minister, Matthew Guy, so he is informed of the controversial development earmarked opposite Serendip Sanctuary .
Local residents, with support of environmental groups throughout the state have been actively opposing this development for 8 years.
Serendip Sanctuary, Lara is a Parks Victoria wetland education centre and has gained International recognition for its captive breeding programs of Brolga , the Australian Bustard and Eastern Barred Bandicoot which are both on the brink of Extinction.
The rezoning of rural land that buffers the Sanctuary to enable 380+ high density houses opposite would have detrimental effects of the wildlife that reside in and around the Sanctuary .
This is what the children have to say to Matthew Guy…..
The children of Lara would love to bring their Serendip tree to you .
We understand you will be considering the C73 A. shortly , that Geelong Council approved, to enable 380+ houses directly opposite Serendip Sanctuary.
As a matter of urgency, we would dearly love to show you our tree before your decision is made.
Each leaf on the tree represents a child from Lara.
There are hundreds of leaves!
We too are worried about the impact on the wildlife that live in and around the sanctuary if you approve C73.
The children have no voice, nor do the wildlife.
This is their way to tell you as they are not of legal age to sign the 1300+ petition opposing the development that was recently tabled to the Legislative Assembly nor could they send you a letter that near thousands of adults already have, to your office.
This is their way of expressing themselves.
Pictured in the photo are Tess,Lucy,Caitlin,Georgia and Luke with” Yeti “the pony.
They love Serendip and they love the wildlife.
Please PROTECT SERENDIP SANCTUARY , THE WILDLIFE and their very survival .
For the CHILDRENS FUTURE…..and their children’s future……
Regards Sheryl Goatman,
On behalf of the children of Lara
TOWNSHIP OF LARA CARE GROUP INC(T.L.C)
0409 327 403
Kelvin Thompson Federal MP visits Lara/Serendip Sanctuary
National Tree Day 31st July 2011
TOWNSHIP OF LARA CARE GROUP INC (T.L.C) and local residents
planted over 400 indigenous plants today in celebration of National Tree Day at the Serendip Creek Reserve,
Windermere Rd ,Lara, an Adopt a Park project supported by the C.O.G.G and Planet Ark.
This year the focus was on the pondsite at the reserve to not only beautify but create more habitat
where a variety of frogs have joyfully re-established their presence and for the abundance of bird and wildlife that "spill"from Serendip Sanctuary
that can be seen throughout the reserve.
The soft ,moist soil made easy and enjoyable planting for everyone ....a wonderful morning had by all .
IT’S NOT OVER!
Protect Serendip
Sanctuary from 380+ high
density houses
Geelong Council back flipped and
approved the developer’s vision and
not ours. This is the biggest recorded
backlash in council history!
THIS IS NOW A STATE
GOVERNMENT ISSUE!
Careful and balanced planning is
required
Send the attached letter to our State
Planning Minister NOW to intervene
and overrule council’s shameful
decision
PEOPLE UNITE AND HELP US
PREVENT INAPPROPRIATE
DEVELOPMENT
We encourage you to write a personal submission to the following
politicians in State Parliament and voice your concerns that City of
Greater Geelong Council have chosen to ignore.
OR
you can download and send this letter.
Letter requesting C73 Amendment is abandoned by State Government
to
Matthew.guy@parliament.vic.gov.au
Minister For Planning
Ryan.smith@parliament.vic.gov.au
Environment Minister
peter.ryan@parliament.vic.gov.au
Deputy Premier National Party
john.eren@parliament.vic.gov.au
Member for Lara
Lara In Shock - Geelong News
Age - 25/4/11
Death knell sounds
SERENDIP Sanctuary at Lara is internationally valuable. Of the 171 bird
species recorded at Serendip, 19 are of particular conservation
significance and are listed under the Environment Protection and
Biodiversity Conservation Act and the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act.
Serendip is representative of a landscape type now rare in Victoria.
Ithas recently bred the eastern barred bandicoots, a species
threatened with extinction due to some of the exact threats that will
be exacerbated by a higher population at Lara.
Why is the Geelong council rough-riding over such a significant
conservation achievement with their approval of more than 380 high-
density developments right opposite?
Vivienne Ortega, Heidelberg Heights
Media Release
16/4/11
BIGGEST BACKLASH IN GEELONG COUNCIL HISTORY – RESIDENTS OPPOSITION TO INAPPROPRIATE DEVELOPMENT OPPOSITE SERENDIP SANCTUARY IGNORED
Lara residents witnessed the division in views and voting on Tuesday 12 April 2011 with City of Greater Geelong Councillors approving the C73 Amendment/Caddys Road application to rezone rural land directly opposite Serendip Sanctuary to Residential 1 Zoning to allow 380+ houses in a high density development known as the Sanctuary Views Estate. This is despite the fact that Council had received overwhelming and unprecedented opposition to this development from the people of Lara for the past 8 years;
- 2410 signatures presented at the Legislative Assembly of Victoria,
- 670 submissions to Council
- 2 public meetings with hundreds of residents present
- Public Rally "Walk for Serendip"..over 400 residents present.
- Facebook site. Save Serendip..No Rezone over 1100 members.
To rezone this land sets a dangerous precedent for open slather development that places the very SURVIVAL of our wildlife at risk. Consequently, Serendip will become "an urban park in an urban matrix" instead of the sanctuary which is internationally recognised for successfully breeding captive species such as Brolga, Musk Duck, Australian Bustard and now the EASTERN BARRED BANDICOOT which is on the brink of EXTINCTION. Numerous free ranging wildlife like the Cape Barren ,Magpie Geese and Eastern Grey kangaroos breed here and spill over on to the rural land surrounding the Sanctuary that is also only 2 km from You Yangs Regional Park. This is an important wildlife corridor. High density housing opposite the Sanctuary also brings increased numbers of cats and dogs and an increase in fox population due to urbanization.
The Wood Report, (an independent report organized by Parks Vic and not referenced to at either of the Independent Panel hearings by D.S.E) forecast this outlook if high density housing was approved
on the land opposite Serendip Sanctuary.
Who is there to protect our wildlife?
Who is there to protect the people from the heartache of inappropriate development?
What has been done cannot be undone.
It is very clear that the City of Greater Geelong Council will develop land ANYWHERE irrespective of natural assets such as Serendip Sanctuary and You Yangs Regional Park not to mention the Ramsar listed Limeburners Bay and Avalon that directly link these wildlife corridors.
The City of Greater Geelong Council will also allow development regardless of MAJOR flood and fire threat as experienced in the past and present. City of Greater Geelong Council have also acknowledged that Lara is sadly lacking in INFRASTRUCTURE. Infrastructure that does not cater for the existing population.
Lara prepared for WILDFIRE THREAT this past summer where the proposed development is located! The 1969 Lara fire tragedy that took the lives of 18 people is recorded as the fastest moving grass and scrub fire in Victoria’s history. CFA have approved this development yet residents believe that it is a potential death trap.
This summer we experienced moderate flooding (twice)that still successfully cut off roads in many parts of Lara and indeed directly opposite THE PROPOSED development where it is recorded that" the most dangerous, fast flowing floodwater occurs"(Lara Structure Plan).
Given the extremity of flooding that we are experiencing throughout Australia and indeed Victoria why is Council neglecting their Duty of Care and placing Lara residents at further risk?
Careful and balanced planning is required for us all by Local and State Government. Lara residents recognize that Lara is designated as growth region in the City of Greater Geelong. To the west of Lara close to 30 years lot supply is available for Lara’s future development needs. Lara residents say appropriate development is needed in appropriate regions.
Our natural assets must always be protected for us all and for our childrens future and the very existence of our wildlife.
Geelong Council’s decision does not reflect this vision!
A deeply disturbing outcome that will impact the lives of so many not to mention the families forced off their land!
We appeal to our State Government to intervene and overrule the City of Greater Geelong Council’s decision and request that the C73 Amendment is abandoned.
PROTECT SERENDIP SANCTUARY AND PROTECT LARA FROM INAPPROPRIATE DEVELOPMENT
Sheryl Goatman
Spokesperson for the Township of Lara Care Group Inc and the residents of Lara
TLC Group Lara Inc
P.O.Box 281
LARA.3212
www.tlcgrouplara.com
Mobile: 0409 327 403
Lara…another planning disaster?
The City of Geelong Council’s decision to approve a high density housing development opposite Serendip Sanctuary and adjacent to existing rural residential properties, is a direct contradiction of a key objective of the Council’s own Lara Structure Plan ‘to protect the rural landscape setting of the township’.
Even a State Government Independent Panel review of the proposed rezoning proposals (which incidentally did little to reflect overwhelming community opposition to this development over eight years – the biggest back-lash to a development proposal in Council history), concluded that a very important starting point for the panel’s assessment was that ‘growth is to be expected. Indeed growth is to be encouraged – but that growth is subject to the strong caveats that it must be in ‘appropriate’ locations and that in pursuing growth, the maintenance of the country feel of Lara must be achieved’. The Lara community agreed – but what has now been decided is an inappropriate development (high density housing) in an inappropriate location (opposite Serendip Sanctuary).
This decision has the potential to destroy the very feature that is at the heart of Lara, the internationally recognised Serendip Sanctuary and its rural precinct.
Despite the Lara Ward’s representative Councillor highlighting problems such as lack of existing infrastructure, roads and services while at the same time, pointing out the availability of surplus land for development to the west of the town, these arguments were ignored by a majority vote of Councillors.
What was concerning and which highlights why planning decisions should not be left to Councillors with no planning expertise, was that support from several Ward council representatives in favour of the development was based on the argument that, because development is happening in their constituencies, it should also happen in this area of Lara! Using this as an argument for planning, beggars belief. When are planners and councillors going to wake up to the fact that building communities is more than just building houses? What about planning for open space, recreation areas and preservation of environmental assets which are major contributors to the health and well being of the community? Are we always going to have to deal with problems caused by the lack of these amenities, after the event, as we are now trying to address in Geelong’s northern suburbs? Regrettably, the debate to support this decision made no acknowledgement of these needs at all. In addition, the fact that there was more than a whiff of party political opportunism displayed during debate over this rezoning proposal, added little confidence to community concerns about credibility and impartiality of Council decision-making when it comes to planning issues. Some councillors seem to ignore the fact that they are elected to reflect community interests, not their own.
Unfortunately, the end result is that it would appear that Lara will be the latest casualty of poor planning based on short term and profit motivated urban and industrial development, to the benefit of a few vested interests.
The sign entering Lara which proudly proclaims, ‘Rural Living at its Best’, is looking more like a sales pitch for developers every day – and guess who sponsored those signs!
Barry White
Council Minutes - 22 February 2011
Peter Begg , Geelong Advertiser / Wednesday 9th February 2011
Recent Flood Photos /Serendip Creek Windermere RD Lara
gate way to proposed development
14th January 2011 (moderate flooding)
Windermere RD / Serendip Creek in flood 2nd Febuary (2nd flood)
Serendip Creek / and neighbouring property adjacent
TOWNSHIP OF LARA CARE GROUP INC (T.L.C )
REQUESTS YOUR SUPPORT
HELP US TO
PROTECT SERENDIP SANCTUARY !! PROTECT LARA!!
A recent state panel hearing has made recommendations to the City of Greater Geelong to approve
the rural/residential land directly opposite
SERENDIP SANCTUARY to be REZONED RESIDENTIAL 1 ZONING
This could enable up to 500+ high density houses directly opposite the Internationally recognised Sanctuary and jeopardise captive and free-ranging wildlife .
Many species are Near Threatened or close to Extinction (Eastern Barred Bandicoot ,The Australian Bustard to name a few!)
The D.S.E who oversee Parks Vic .have shamefully supported this recommendation that was negotiated with developer.It contradicts other Independant reports and Environmental groups concerns!!
This development if approved sets the precedent to rezone the rest of the rural land of Lara that buffers the Sanctuary and is in close proximity to the You Yangs Regional Park!
This development is also placed in high fire /flood prone region!!!
COUNCIL DO NOT HAVE TO ACCEPT THESE RECOMMENDATIONS!!!
WE URGE YOU TO TO LOG ON TO www.geelongaustralia.com.au and search for the C73 Caddys Road Report and expess your feelings against this disgraceful outcome!!!!!
Council are asking for your feedback and opinions!!!
City of Greater Geelong will be presenting their recomendations at a November meeting.
This will then go to State Planning Dept !!!
VOICE YOUR CONCERNS LOUD AND CLEAR!!!
We thankyou for your ongoing support,
Regards Sheryl Goatman ,Spokesperson T.L.C GROUP INC
www.tlcgrouplara.com
Article from Geelong Advertiser (Peter Begg) September 16th 2010
Panel recommends Lara housing subdivision plan
AN Independent Panel has recommended a controversial housing subdivision at Lara be rezoned for conventional residential development.
The panel's support for residential zoning of land off Caddys Rd has angered residents, who are still hopeful City of Greater Geelong councillors will ignore the panel recommendation.
Residents have argued the planned housing estate is too close to Serendip Sanctuary.
Township of Lara Care Group (TLC) spokeswoman Sheryl Goatman said yesterday she understood the panel report would come before the full council in November, and it was up to the councillors if they adopted the report.
"We're disappointed that DSE don't acknowledge any impact of 540 houses opposite the sanctuary, and it defies common sense," she said.
Developer Richard Bisinella, of L. Bisinella Developments, said the panel listened to everyone's views and its report was comprehensive.
"The report is clear-cut about what's best for Lara in strategic planning terms and it's clear-cut in finding that the Caddys Rd land is suitable for conventional housing," Mr Bisinella said.
"In particular, the report is clear-cut that residential development as proposed, with an appropriate buffer and other controls, will have no adverse impacts on Serendip Sanctuary."
Cr Katos said the Lara Structure Plan adopted by council last June included the designation of a settlement boundary.
Cr Katos said the plan also included consolidation of the town centre, commercial opportunities including Avalon Airport and the proposed intermodal transport facility, protection of the surrounding rural landscape and nomination of areas appropriate for residential development.
Cr Katos said the the Independent Panel made a number of recommendations, including:
SUPPORT for consolidation of Lara's 'urban core' before the release of new growth area/greenfield sites;
SUPPORT for a mix of both residential and low density residential development within the 'urban core';
SUPPORT for the Caddys Road area to be developed for conventional residential development;
THE need to reinforce and maintain the rural character of the town; and
SUPPORT for the economic opportunities identified.
Cr Katos said the panel felt that Serendip Sanctuary and conventional residential development could co-exist next to one another.
He said the panel also accepted that a 50-metre buffer to the sanctuary was appropriate, and that the buffer could incorporate landscaping, wildlife corridor and cycling/walking paths.
Panel Hearing Geelong/Lara Structure Plan 8th - 22nd June 2010
TLC Group Panel Powerpoint Presentation Click Here for viewing
TLC Submission to Panel Hearing 2010 Click Here for viewing
We would like to thank and acknowledge the following groups and people who gave their valuable time to appear at the Panel Hearing who share the same vision to ;
PROTECT SERENDIP PROTECT LARA
Much time, thought and preparation went into this panel hearing. This was reflected in all the presentations.
It was” people power “ at its very best . Each and every one of you made such a valuable contribution in your own right .
.In Truth and from the Heart !! ........THANKYOU and WELLDONE! You did us Proud!
We again thank the residents of Lara for their 650+ letters of submission and 2410 signatures presented to State Parliament and Geelong Council.Facebook site members Save Serendip No Rezone we thank you for your support.
Geelong Environment Council ....Joan Lindros
Geelong Field Naturalist Club....Bruce Lindsay
Australian Wildlife Council..Vivienne Ortega
Township of Lara Care Group Inc ....Sheryl and Brody Goatman (Visual Presentation and Design... Awesome Effort !!) and an Enormous Thank you to Patti Woodyard , our Secretary.
Our following members;
Barrie Kinnersly
Ken Simons
Gittens /Faithfull Family .... Graham Gittens
Cook Family.....Reg Cook
Bullock Family.......Steve Bullock
Gravett Family....Andrew Gravett
Fursland/Mathieson Family ...David Fursland
Barry White
The Panel will present their recommendations to Council around Mid/Late August.
This will then go to State Government for approval .
Council will then vote to make final decision.
Videos presented at panel hearing
SERENDIP & LARA UNDER FURTHER THREAT
TLC Group has been alerted that a submission organized by a
resident in Osterlund Crt(with other landowners) is seeking an
amendment in the Lara Structure Plan(L.S.P.) to rezone rural land
to residential 1 zoning.
This is the exact situation that the T.L.C Group has been actively
protecting these last 7 years and another example of ;
INAPPROPRIATE DEVELOPMENT ON RURAL LAND.
This is also another further attempt of self interest at the cost of
so many others and at the forefront of Serendip Sanctuary.
DOES THIS SCENARIO SOUND FAMILIAR TO YOU ?
This situation could enable a similar replication of the proposed
Serendip Views Estate on a far larger scale !!!! (APPROX.47H)
The land recommended for rezone is on the south side of Serendip
Creek and Windermere Rd in front of Serendip Sanctuary.
The overlay also covers land on Curletts,Osterlund and Forest Rd
North.Please refer to the maps on the application below.
TGM Submission On behalf of land owners (click here to
This proposal prepared by T.G.M. GROUP puts forward the same
arguments to develop this land as other submissions by developers
in the L.S.P.
There is no documentation to support the legitimacy of the eleven
landowners supporting this development at Planning Dept.
The map that shows 'Landowners in Support of Rezoning" is a total
misrepresentation of the facts as this is not the case at all due to
the strong feedback we have had from our neighbours who are
against the development!
Why would a handful of landowners who believe they will have some
financial incentive to rezone their land agree to a proposed rezoning
of all their surrounding neighbours properties as well?
What is the driving force behind this proposal??
Our same concerns apply to this proposed development as it does to
the land rezone application to sustain 380+ residential houses
opposite Serendip Sanctuary.
WHAT CAN BE DONE TO VOICE YOUR
CONCERNS REGARDING THIS LATEST
APPLICATION ???
Cr.Cameron Granger understands and offers his full support to his
residents by opposing this development.A meeting has been
organised by T.L.C Group on behalf of our fellow neighbours to
inform and give the opportunity to speak to Cameron personally.
WE MUST INFORM CITY OF GREATER GEELONG AND STATE GOVT.
OF OUR CONCERNS!!
YOUR VOICE AND VIEWS ARE VALUABLE! USE IT!
THIS IS OUR HOME! OUR FUTURE! and
The future protection of already threatened wildlife that the Dept.
of Sustainability and Environment is shamefully neglecting to
protect!
HAVE YOUR SAY AND STAND UP!
MAKE STATE GOVT. AND C.O.G.G TAKE NOTICE.
WE MUST NOT ALLOW STATE GOVT.PLANNING DEPT APPROVE THIS
DEVELOPMENT!!
State Govt.Ministers need to be told how we feel so council
recommendations are respected and not bypassed.
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!!!!!!
WHAT YOU CAN DO IMMEDIATELY:
To make Council and State Govt. aware of our views,
forward this letter of thanks and the attached council
recommendations to Council and the following State
Parliamentarians.
Letter Of Thanks To COGG & Parliament (Click Here To Download)
C.E.O of C.O.G.G
Mr S Griffin P.O Box 104 Geelong 3220 Vic
sgriffin@geelongcity.vic.gov.au
John Eren MP State Member for Lara
1st floor,Corio Village Shopping Centre,
Bacchus Marsh Rd,Corio 3214,Vic
Email:john.eren@parliament.vic.gov.au
We encourage residents and other concerned citizens who made a
submission to voice your concerns by supporting us with a show of
strength and united vision by requesting to personally appear before
the panel to help us ;
PROTECT SERENDIP PROTECT LARA!
A Panel Hearing will be held in Geelong 24th May onwards.(t.b.c.)
This is an informal process where a panel will listen and note your
personal views.It can be as brief or as detailed as you like .
JOIN T.L.C GROUP OR CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY.
please press the get involved button for more details
News Update
The TLC Group INC and a strong representation of Lara Residents
were present at the Council Meeting on March 23RD to witness
our local Councillor , Cameron Granger present his
recommendations to Council .
Amendment C73 (Residential Rezoning opposite Serendip Sanctuary
known as Caddys Rd )
Council recieved 624 submissions and a petition containing 2410
signatures objecting to this development.
Having considered all submissions council recommended to:
1 :Request the Minister for Planning to appoint an Independant
Panel.
2: Refer all submissions to panel;and
3:Submit a revised response to panel which is to;
NOT SUPPORT THE RESIDENTIAL REZONING for these reasons;
*Loss of Laras rural feel and rural living opportunities;
*Impacts on Serendip Sanctuary;
*Traffic Impacts around the Caddys Rd area;
*Objections from landowners in area to be rezoned.
Amendment C198 also is part of the Lara Structure Plan.Council
considered all 71 submissions(including some in reference to Caddys
Rd) and responded with the additional following changes:
*Caddys Rd area to remain in the RURAL LIVING ZONE
*Areas identified as potential urban consolidation opportunity to
REMAIN IN THEIR EXISTING ZONES
***FOOTNOTE;This development refers to the latest submission by
local land owners who are seeking to rezone rural land on the south
side of Serendip Creek and Windermere Rd, Curletts Rd , Forest Rd
North.
WELL DONE LARA FOR STANDING UP TO HELP US:
PROTECT SERENDIP PROTECT LARA !!!!!!!!
Latest press coverage and updates (Click Here For Download)
WE MUST INFORM CITY OF GREATER GEELONG AND STATE GOVT. OF
OUR CONCERNS!!
TLC Groups Letter Of Submission To COGG
To View Letter of Submission (Click Here To Download)
Thankyou Residents Of Lara , Geelong and state wide for all
your Support
Public Rally Photos "Walk For Serendip"
29 th November 2009
Public Rally Photos
400 Lara residents take to street in protest
FOUR hundred Lara residents braved pouring rain yesterday to voice their opposition to a high-density housing development.
The Township of Lara Care Group hosted the Walk for Serendip rally in protest of the proposed Caddy's Rd development, which residents fear will endanger animals at the neighbouring Serendip Sanctuary if it goes ahead.
Group spokesman Sheryl Goatman said the rally was a success and highlighted locals' concerns including conservation and safety issues.
"We're not against development but we want to feed acreage, not housing. There are a lot of reasons why this is inappropriate," she said.
"By keeping this land rural, it gives wildlife particularly birds and kangaroos more opportunity to graze."
Mrs Goatman said Serendip Sanctuary hosted 171 recorded bird species, with many listed as vulnerable or near-vulnerable.
The Sanctuary Views development, currently awaiting approval by the City of Greater Geelong, is set to house a 380-lot subdivision over 38ha. The L. Bisinella Developments project features proposed guidelines, including the prohibition of dogs and cats as well as a restriction of single-storey buildings to the south, to reduce its impacts on the sanctuary.
Windermere Ward councillor Cameron Granger and local wildlife expert Trevor Pescott both spoke at the rally, with Cr Granger echoing residents' concerns and assuring them the project was "not a done deal".
An independent panel will assess the proposed development early next year, before presenting its findings to the council.
Councillors will then vote on the project.
HISTORY
The TLC Group INC is a non-political , non-profit making group that
was formed by local residents in 2003 who are opposed to
residential high density housing opposite Serendip Sanctuary.
(We are not opposed to rural development of 1 hectare+ lots.
This would be in keeping with the present rural environment.)
This is refered to as the Caddys Rd Development (C73 Lara Structure
Plan (L.S.P).Also known as 'Sanctuary Views Estate".
This land is at present zoned Rural / Residential.
It comprises of 38 hectares and is bounded by Windermere
Rd,Flinders Ave.,Serendip Ck and existing urban area to the
south.(Being Pineview Cres. , Stryder Crt & Young St.)
The local Developer Bisinella Developments has put an application
to City of Greater Geelong(C.O.G.G.) to rezone this land
to Residential 1 Zoning.This could possiably accomodate
380 HOUSES Directly opposite Serendip Sanctuary!!!!
Maps of proposed development
Key Concerns with the proposed development:
- Serendip Sanctuary must be protected from inappropriate high-density residential housing.
Serendip Sanctuary is internationally valuable, & is significant on a national \state & regional
context.171 bird species have been recorded in the Sanctuary. 19 species are of particular
conservation significance and are listed under the EPBC Act and The Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act. Of
these 19 species five breed at Serendip, with the most common being the Magpie Goose , Cape
Barren goose, Nankeen Night Heron, Australian Shoveler, Hardhead , & Blue Billed Duck.The presence
of a representive landscape type is now rare in Victoria (woods report 4-9)
A major threat to the wildlife are foxes, dogs and cats. There is captive breeding of brolgas, the
Australian bustard and other species present. It is home to breeding populations of Cape Barren and
Pied Geese, both listed as vulnerable or near threatened in Victoria. There is also a large free ranging
population of both Eastern Grey kangaroos and emus. The area proposed for development is a noted
wildlife corridor. There will also be a loss of habitat for the wildlife that spills out from the
Sanctuary.
Woods Report (3-5 )Parks Vic 22/02/07 
This region is subject to major flooding. Serendip Creek links into Hovells Creek that flows into the
RAMSAR listed Limeburners Bay. Urban pollution and increased storm water from this development
could also increase the likelihood of downstream flooding to the township of Lara and St Laurence
Park (LSP 3.1). Flooding in much of this area consists of deep fast flowing water, the most
damaging type of flooding (LSP 3.2.1)
The increase of traffic in an already heavily congested area raises huge concerns for the safety of
children attending Lara Primary School and Lara Secondary College. These schools have some of the
highest attendance in the Geelong region.
- Increased noise levels - traffic noise , Barking dogs , lawnmowers ETC
Petition
A Petition has been organized by TLC Group requesting that
the Legislative Assembly of Victoria DO NOT ALLOW the 38
hectares opposite Serendip Sanctuary be rezoned rural living to
residential 1. So far we have raised over 2400 signatures.
This Petition was presented to John Eren MP
for submission mid November. Cr Cameron Granger will also be
presented the petition to COGG. The petition will remain open
until further notice.
We Thankyou Lara for your support & other concerned citizens.
We urge you to express your thoughts and views for the Future
of our township. Your voice WILL be heard and noted. USE IT !!
If COGG are not told they will not know !!
Letters Of Objection
How to voice your concerns regarding the "Serendip Views Estate
or Caddys Road Development" Click Here for infomation for letters
of Objection
We Encourage you to write your own letter with your views.
If time does not allow this please use our letter. This may also give
you some ideas and infomation to assist you
Lara Structure Plan
The Lara Structure Plan (LSP) is available is for viewing from the
COGG website. To view the LSP Click Here
The Lara Structure Plan Public Submission Period is the 12th of
November to the 14th of December. The COGG accepts
your feedback in this time period. The LSP is also available
at the Lara Community Centre to contact the Centre Click Here
and alternatively at the customer service centres for COGG.
To have your say with the LSP Click Here
Lara Floods
4th of Feb 2005
Ramsar Site Limeburners Bay
Convention
The Ramsar Convention (The Convention on Wetlands of
International
Importance, especially as Waterfowl Habitat)
is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable
utilization of wetlands, i.e., to stem the progressive encroachment on
and loss of wetlands now and in the future, recognizing the
fundamental ecological functions
of wetlands and their economic, cultural, scientific, and recreational
value. It is named
after the town of Ramsar in Iran.