We support the Queenscliffe Borough Council's community-led Climate Emergency Response Plan and the Bellarine Distinctive Area Landscape Plan, which arose from discussions commenced in 2019 between City of Greater Geelong and Queenscliff Borough Council, and provides for the protection of the environment and heritage.

All work in the Borough is bound to follow regulations found in documents such as the Queenscliffe Planning Scheme, structure plans, bushfire management overlay, and other documents.

However, ignoring their own planning regulations, and without community consultation,  the Queenscliffe Council installed a 24-hour/day 7 days/ week four vehicle power hub in a quiet tree-lined heritage residential precinct, when it should have been located in one of the large car parks or in the transit hub, where there is 24-hour security.   

Learmonth Street is one of Queenscliff's key heritage precincts where residential planning is strictly regulated by the provisions in the Queenscliffe Planning Scheme.  The introduction of large commercial EV charger bowsers into an important residential street is inconsistent with the heritage provisions of the Queenscliffe Planning Scheme and the recently enacted Bellarine Distinctive Area Landscape Plan. 

We petition for

(1) an undertaking to relocate the Charging Stations to a site to be chosen following broad community engagement and assessment.   We request the relocation works to be finalised by 30 June 2024. 

(2) We request the creation of a policy for EV charging stations/points and other climate infrastructure to be considered in conjunction with the heritage and neighbourhood characteristic overlays.   Policy to be completed before any new infrastructure is approved.