Monday, May 14, 2012

Geographical Boundary Realignment - Drysdale, Clifton Springs and Curlewis

Geelong Council will realign the boundaries between Drysdale, Clifton Springs and Curlewis. Below is the extract from the Geelong Council minutes of 8 May 2012.

Boundary Realignment - Drysdale, Clifton Springs and Curlewis

Portfolio: Democracy & Governance - Cr Mitchell
Source: Corporate Services - Financial Services
General Manager: Jeff Wall
Index Reference: Subject/Roads, Footpaths & Streets

Summary

  • The Registrar of Geographic Names has written requesting that Council proceed with a boundary realignment between Drysdale and Clifton Springs, west of the Geelong–Portarlington Road, in the interests of public safety.
  • Principal 3(A) of the Guidelines for Geographic Names 2010 stipulates that locality boundary should align with the cadastral fabric, road centre lines or easily distinguishable topographical features. In accordance with Section 3.2.1 of the guidelines, the Registrar may request Council to amend a locality boundary in the interests of public safety. Council must respond within 30 days and action the request within one council meeting of the initial response.
  • Council acknowledges that the historical boundary between Clifton Springs and Drysdale, west of the Portarlington Road, now passes through numerous properties in Wintersun Court and Narawi Avenue. This issue has been listed as pending review with an intention to include a review of Curlewis, Clifton Springs and Drysdale boundaries, including Jetty Road and the areas south of the Geelong-Portarlington Road, west of Grubb Road.
  • The Drysdale locality is experiencing significant growth and it is important that any changes to locality boundary best represent this growth.
  • It is appropriate to commence a process of investigation and consultation to realign the locality boundaries between Clifton Springs, Drysdale and Curlewis based on the identification of four priority zones (See Appendix A).
  • Appendices B, C and D map current alignments versus proposed alignments.
  • Letters will be sent to all affected property owners / residents advising the proposed boundary realignment and seek submissions.
  • An advertisement will be placed in the City News calling for submissions regarding the proposed changes.
  • A final report will be submitted to Council with recommendations to formalise the proposed changes.
Cr Harwood moved, Cr Granger seconded -
That Council notes:
1) the commencement of a process of investigation and consultation to realign the locality boundaries between Drysdale, Clifton Springs and Curlewis.
2) a further report will be presented to Council with recommendations for adoption, following completion of the consultation process.
Carried.

Report

Background

Councils are responsible for allocating geographic locality boundaries. On 16 February 2012, Council received advice from the Registrar of Geographic Names requesting that Council proceed with a boundary realignment between Drysdale and Clifton Springs, west of the Geelong–Portarlington Road, in the interests of public safety.

The locality boundary between Clifton Springs and Drysdale, west of the Geelong-Portarlington Road, passes through numerous properties in Wintersun Court and Narawi Avenue which is creating particular confusion for emergency and communication services (Appendix B).

Ambulance Victoria has emphasised the need for correct locality to avoid confusion in an emergency response situation. In this case, the locality boundary does not comply with Principal 3(A) – A locality boundary should align with the cadastral fabric, road centre lines or easily distinguishable topographical features.

The Registrar has been advised that any changes to locality boundaries should take into account significant urban growth within the localities and a realignment of boundaries should include a review of Curlewis, Clifton Springs and Drysdale boundaries. It is appropriate to commence this process of investigation and consultation to realign the locality boundaries between Curlewis, Clifton Springs and Drysdale.

Discussion

It is appropriate to commence a process of investigation and consultation to realign the locality boundaries between Clifton Springs, Drysdale and Curlewis based on the identification of four priority zones (See Appendix A).

These zones will be affected as follows:

Zone 1 – the current eastern boundary of Clifton Springs alignment to be extended along Whitcombes Road to intersect with the Geelong–Portarlington Road intersection then continue north easterly along this roadway (Appendix B).

It is considered that this zone has the highest priority for realignment, given instruction received from the Registrar of Geographic Names.

Zone 2 – to extend part of the southern boundary of Clifton Springs, to run south along Jetty Road, east on Wyndham Street, north on Barrands Lane, east on Nash Avenue then north along Clifton Springs Road (Appendix C).

Realigning this boundary is considered necessary in order to comply with Principal 3(A) of the Guidelines for Geographic Names 2010 which stipulates that locality boundary should align with the cadastral fabric, road centre lines or easily distinguishable topographical features. At present, a section of the boundary cuts through several parcels, another section passes through the back of titles and in future may potentially pass through the centre of a proposed retirement village.

Zone 3 – the eastern boundary of Curlewis to be moved eastward to run south along Jetty Road to intersect with the Geelong-Portarlington Road (Appendix D). The current boundary cuts through several property titles. Additionally, a residential development is occurring west of Jetty Road. Moving the locality boundary to align with the Jetty Road centre line will best represent this growth and comply with the Guidelines for Geographic Names 2010.

Zone 4 – the eastern boundary of Curlewis to be moved eastward to run south along Grubb Road to intersect with the current Wallington alignment (Appendix D).

Once again, the current boundary cuts through several property titles. Therefore, moving the locality boundary to align with Grubb Road will comply with the Guidelines for Geographic Names 2010 by aligning the boundary to a road and allow for future growth that may occur.

The following table shows the number of ratepayers by differential type that will be affected by the realignments:
Zone 1 Zone 2 Zone 3 Zone 4 Total
Commercial 0 1 0 0 1
Farm 1 0 1 3 5
Mixed Use 0 1 0 0 1
General 140 296 44 7 487
Vacant Land 32 17 133 0 182
Total 173 315 178 10 676

The proposed new alignments comply with Principal 3(A) of the Department of Sustainability and Environment Guidelines for Geographic Names 2010.

Council is required to advertise these proposed realignments and notify all property owners within the areas of the proposed new alignments. Any submissions received will be addressed in the appropriate manner.

Environmental Implications

There are no environmental issues arising from this report.

Financial Implications

Council is responsible for the cost of notifying all affected property owners and the advertisement in the City News section of the Geelong Independent Newspaper and Geelong Advertiser. Financial services will manage this project from within existing budget allocations.

Policy/Legal/Statutory Implications

The Geographic Place Names Act 1998, the Guidelines for Geographic Names 2010 and Council Policy have been followed and met. Officer Direct or Indirect Interest
There is no officer direct or indirect interest in this report.

Risk Assessment

The realignment of these boundaries will allow for easy identification to the public and utility services in case of an emergency.
Council has an obligation to act in regard to Zone 1 proposed changes in the best interests of public safety. The other zone changes are proposed in the best long term interests of the community to avoid risk of further confusion as urban growth occurs.

Social Considerations

The realignment of these boundaries will minimise the confusion to residents and visitors to the area.

Communication

Notification letters will be sent to all affected property owners; advertisements will appear in local newspapers and notification will be placed on Council's website. Property owners and residents will be invited to make submissions concerning the proposed changes.

Appendix A

Appendix B

Appendix C

Appendix D

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