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36 Comments

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1. We vehemently object to this application
   It impacts us directly in a very negative way
   This property is zoned rural supposedly with one dwelling .
   This will be a factory with multiple buildings with a commercial purpose .
   We have a property that we have owned for many years that will be opposite the entrance of this 10am - 6 pm 7 days a week business
   We will be directly impacted by increased traffic ,
   Noise and just the total destruction of the tranquillity we poured our life savings into .
   We purchased this property for the rural meets sea , the tranquility the get away from traffic and the business husle and bustle of Melbourne and now we will be in the middle of it .
   This will negatively impact on the value of our property and our neighbours property and the lovely country feel Portarlington has always had
   Please consider our objection and fcontact us for any further comment

   Roberta Walker
   Keith Bissell

2. I don’t agree with this plan of a Chocolatier Manufacturing Sales, Restaurant, Group Accommodation, Place of Assembly, Dwelling, and Business Identification Signage) going ahead in Point Richards Road.
   This is Rural Bellarine Peninsula!!
   A fishing Village 1900!!
   Let’s keep it Rural!
   It’s sleepy Portarlington, like Pt Lonsdale, Queenscliff!
   It’s not a bustling big Town!!
   I have lived here all my life and I am tied of the big developers coming in and trying to make the beautiful little town Suburban, why do you think the population has grown here? Because they like the serenity of a quiet little Town.
   For the people who have moved here from the city for a better live, don’t Suburban this Town of Portarlington.
   Keep it a Sleepy Portarlington Please:)

3. Portarlington is a beautiful, tranquil community. This proposal will threaten that and therefore we strongly object to this application for the following reasons:
   - this factory with multiple, commercial buildings in not consistent with the character of the rural area
   - there will be increased traffic and noise
   - why not locate it somewhere set well back from the farming/sea area.
   - this is not a suburb of Melbourne.

4. I object to the proposed development of a chocolate factory and associated business uses on the site of 1-45 Point Richards Rd, Bellarine for the following reasons:
   1. The area is zoned farmland and there is the potential for this to set a precedent, if approved to 'unlock' and develop other farm land zoned sites.
   2. The area is situated next to important habitat areas of the endangered Growling Grass Frog and may harm the population of this species by interfering with the natural water course that runs through the property - even if there is a promise to 'restore habitat' to a "percentage of the site" (page 2 of the architect design document) the damage is done once the bulldozers start work.
   3. Local residents do not want the development as it interferes with the quiet enjoyment of their dwellings, neighbourhood, and community engagement more generally.

5. I strongly oppose this development for the following reasons:
   It is zoned farm land. End of.
   No matter the promises of restoring habitat, it will destroy habitats already there and will not “restore” anything.
   Portarlington has turned into a “greed town”, it’s almost palpable and has ruined the very reason people love it here. Adding this will make the town even more generic than it has turned into.
   The promises made by previous developments have not come to fruition as stated which adds a huge level of distrust to any proposals.

6. We support the proposed building. Portarlington has developed greatly and its supporting the growing population and tourism. There is several existing restaurants and wineries it would simply be adding to the attractions. It will increase value of property and make way for better renovations and infrastructure of existing and new dwellings. Generating interest is only a good thing otherwise these things will go elsewhere and then it will then happen time and time looking resistant to change.

7. We strongly support the proposed dwelling. The property would be a terrific asset for families and visitors to enjoy in a stunning setting. It would increase employment opportunities for all. It would also add value to the surrounding properties. The concept is lovely and a lovely educational option for children that’s not a winery etc

8. I think this would be a great addition to our ever growing town. There are many people who are struggling and need jobs and this will certainly help provide this.

   Our town will not survive without these kind of business being allowed here.

9. I strongly support this. The proposed design was nice and will fit in well with the surrounds. We love this beautiful town and it’s sleepy nature but I believe that this will be great for tourism and a great attraction to get more families into the region.

10. Strongly agree with this development we need to move with the time's town needs money to survive locals only can't keep town going. By having this brings visitors by bringing visitors brings in money.

11. I think it will be great for the local community creating new jobs for the growing community and bring in much needed tourism and money for the town

    Plus who doesn’t love chocolate so better to be buying and knowing its local rather than buying from some big international company

12. Strongly agree with this development. I’d rather support a business that gives something more to this beautiful town and creates jobs rather than another not needed Estate or townhouses that destroy it or maybe it over populated.
    This establishment is exactly what the Bellarine needs.

13. Definitely support this as it will help the town I have grown up in continue to grow.
    As the town grows we need more jobs for the young people and this will definitely help
    It will also help the town grow as it gives people another reason to come and spend money in our town

14. I am opposed to this proposed chocolaterie, buildings, factory and associated businesses in Point Richards Rd.
    1. When we were looking to move into the area 6 years ago that space was designated rural/farm land. Why is it changing ?
    2. Geelong/SurfCoast have many chocolateries why do we need another?
    3. Anglesea Chocolate Factory is an eyesore and the traffic is horrendous in holiday seasons, long weekends etc. This business proposal is on our main road in to and out of Portarlington, opposite a new subdivision. Can you imagine the impact on the traffic flow in to and out of Portarlington? A nightmare. We’re a small seaside village which is already strained to capacity in holiday season, over summer and long weekends.
    4. Impact on the environment and native inhabitants will be serious and, no matter what they promise, a destroyed environment can never be repaired and or replaced.
    5. We have many day visitors to the area already especially since the ferry started regular services, and our caravan parks are full on the Bellarine during the holiday season. We are at capacity. Our shops, cafes etc have signs in windows asking for staff- some are desperate. We can’t fill the job vacancies we have, we don’t need more businesses requiring staff when our own local services are desperate.
    Bigger, more people, more activity, more services doesn’t necessarily mean progress. People bought into the area to have a quieter, more peaceful lifestyle. We don’t want the hustle and bustle of city living on our doorstep.
    Please take this proposal elsewhere. Maybe suburban Melbourne.
    Joy and Neville Findlay

15. I disagree with this factory being built so close to pointrichards rd
    1. It's a Rural Area this is why people have bought in the area
    2.Traffic at the intersection getting out point Richards rd is a gamble on any normal day.
    3. Council have knocked back duel dwelling on this side of the road how come their allowing a factory to get built.

16. I think this is great for the area. There’s plenty of land around and this is only taking up a small party. I’m sure it will be designed to suit the surrounds and gives some life to the area in a good way. Great for young families too.

17. I can’t believe this is even being considered. There is a nature reserve across the rd from this proposed development and we know it will be devastating for the endangered wildlife that call it home. We can’t staff our existing wineries and businesses as there are no affordable rentals in Port and people don’t need to travel to work in hospo. Renters staff hospitality businesses not holiday makers. Additionally, chocolateries are generally stafffed by 457 visa holders from Belgium and France… I was a chocolatier for many years and one of only 2 Australians in the large production team. Portarlington is a unique treasure, soon to become another concrete burb such as Armstrong Creek. We live here for peace and quiet, and for the amenity a small town provides for our older residents. We can’t live with this. Too much $$ and greed is flowing into this town and we are not commodities to be bought and sold. This is our beautiful home.

18. I strongly agree with this. Port has a growing young community that would absolutely love what this bring for our kids. It will add to the tourism and bring money, people and jobs to the area. I don’t really see a negative.

    It’s states a farm stay, farm animal experience as well as a chocolate factory built on a large area. With good access on a wide road.

    Everything in our area will benefit from this.

    There are more houses planned in port too so more people are already coming to the area within the panorama development.

    Every business in port will benefit from this as more people obviously brings more profit to our local businesses.

    Bring it on I love it!!!

19. I oppose this application. I fear the precedent that will be set when the area starts re-zoning areas to accomodate these kinds of developments. It is a threat to native eco-systems in the green space that exists there at the moment.

    I believe a more appropriate location could be found in the region.

20. Please reconsider this development. This piece of land is the gateway to Portarlington. It is well known for its sweeping vista across the bay as people arrive in our lovely town. This development will block this view. This land also has historical and natural significance. It’s was sad to see the relics of the old building removed in recent years. The concept of the business is great and could be great for the town but the location is not. I feel for the residents located across the road who will go from living in a semi rural environment to overlooking buildings and car parks with regular traffic. Hopefully, consideration will be made about why people visit and love Portarlington. I am not against considered development. Develop the town slowly and in keeping with its character. Be careful not to repeat the mistakes made in Queenscliffe where overdevelopment at the harbour has nearly killed business in the Main Street. The traffic as you enter Portarlington is already going to increase with the olive grove housing development. Let’s not have two developments at the entrance to the town at once. Although the designs look lovely this is retail/manufacturing not appropriate for rural zones. Let’s not lose the character and beauty people come to Portarlington to experience. Please remember the ‘….need to recognise the significant landscape and natural features and key views, including Port Phillip Bay and the foreshore reserve, Point Richards and its wetlands, coastal ridges and the backdrop of the Bellarine Hills.’ COGG Portarlington Structural Plan 2017

21. I’ve been coming here for 50 years on holidays now I have made the move and finally live here the last thing I want is for the great atmosphere in this area become like Portsea or Dormana it will destroy the atmosphere and the uniqueness of this beautiful place

22. The displayed address in not quite correct here, it shows 145 Pt. Richards road, which is residential. The correct address is 45 point richard toad , which is agricultural.

    this public comment session should be reset with the correct address and time allowed again for public comment.

    I generally oppose the continued destruction of agricultural land. I would hate to see the chocolate factory become a catalyst for rezoning to residential/commercial and then more bland urbanisation.

23. I oppose this development on the grounds that-

    1. It is zoned farmland, and this will be for commercial use. I cannot see how sowing, cropping and spraying of the canola fielda next door will fit with holiday tourism, especially people with allergies so close to that venture. So do we make it so difficult for farmers who provide a vital food source (canola is a highly valued crop used globally) , so that a few can have imported 'bespoke' Belgium chocolate?

    2. The historic nature of the existing dwellings dating back to the 1850s including one of the original bluestone cheese cellars, and the huge pine, and assorted berry shrubs and bushes which date to the origins of the property, then known as Seaview Farm, which not only have local significance and historical protections, have been documented in the book Lincoln's Place by Colin Thiele and Robert Ingpen, also do not appear on any of the plans, therefore it appears they will demolished?

    3. The pesticides and water run off that will affect the Pt Richards flora and fauna reserve. (The area has been known to flood, is actually considered a floodplain, and has had regular flooding, especially since dredging of Port Philip bay commenced )

    4. The increased traffic with the new Panorama Portarlington (80 blocks?) at the corner of Geelong and Batman Rd, that is straight across from the corner of this proposal at Pt Richards Rd, with that intersection due for increased traffic, it already is a danger with a dip in the road coming out of Portarlington making visuality a problem til you are near the badly designed intersection at Pt Richards Rd

24. We support this proposal, it will compliment our winery and community. Chocolate and wine are just devine. It will be great for the community and create new jobs.
    We are chocoholics!

25. I used to live in Golden Grove. That crn has a blind spot as you approach Point Richards Rd. In summer it was hard to turn right onto Portarlington Rd. This will only get worse one the Panorama estate develops. I feel for the owners that live opposite this proposed development and I strongly agree with the local residents that the land should remain zoned for farming.

26. I strongly agree with this development. It will be a great addition to the town. Portarlington is changing with lots of new younger families living here and this working farm and chocolatier would provide a great experience for those families. There are limited options for places to eat and experiences in the area at peak times and this will add another option.

27. I strongly disagree with this project on historical, environmental, traffic/infrastructure and zoning grounds

28. I remember when I first moved down that way in the mid 90's the abundance of Growling Grass Frogs that could be found along Point Richards Road after some rain. Other animals such as the Black Shouldered Kites, Nankeen Kestrels, and Barn Owl's could be seen on a regular basis all year round out hunting over the site. Over the next 25yrs or so the number of Small Raptorial birds slowly diminished to what can only be called minimal numbers. Maybe the odd Kestrel here and there or Barn Owl of a night but nothing like there once was. I decided to move away in 2019 and live in an area that respected its flora and fauna a little more.

    While the numbers of Growling Grass frogs have been decimated over the last 25yrs, they have managed to hang on and can still be frequently seen along the road/footpaths/paddocks of this proposed site after some rain. The few vacant blocks/sites around that area that remain have become incredibly important to their long-term survival and any development of that site would potentially cause serious disruption and potential disaster for the animals found there.

    Conservation status
    The Growling Grass Frog is listed as Vulnerable nationally under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. In Victoria it is listed as Threatened under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 and classified as Endangered.
    Works likely to affect populations of the Growling Grass Frog must be referred to the Federal Government under EPBC legislation.

29. I strongly oppose this development especially at this sensitive location. Please find another site away from the flora and fauna reserve. I lived close by for nearly 20 years and in that time have physically seen the Growling Grass frog population decline, and that's not to mention other native wildlife that I haven't taken notice of but will ultimately be suffering due to human interference, again. Any disruption to Growling Grass frog populations (which is an endangered species) MUST be referred to the Federal government which I don't think has happened for other works in the same area, and you can't bring them back once they're gone. We call ourselves knowledgeable and environmentally educated yet we still destroy wildlife homes for our own benefit but there's no benefit for the animals, is there. And yes, a precedent will be set (is being set) to destroy more native eco-systems and habitats.

30. Gary Loft
    I object to the proposed Project Planning, number pp-219-2022 I live opposite, and I have viewed the plans and all documentation supplied with them.
    If this proposal goes ahead, I will have a car park area opposite me with parking, for about 80 cars, which will be very noisy with the car doors opening and closing and people talking loudly. It would not be just a couple of people, but between 300 to 600 every day, between the hours 10 am.- 6 pm. seven days a week. That is without the out of hours, deliveries and cleaners coming and going. Not to mention the noise and pollution these cars are going to create.
    There is also a waste bin collection with double gates opposite my home. This will turn into an easy drop-off point for café deliveries, and this will turn into a parking area on the nature strip.
    The Traffix Group Assessment, has been taken at the wrong time of year. It did not take into account the large, increase in traffic that occurs from late September to late April during the peak holiday season. Point Richards Rd. services the Point Richards Boat Ramp, the Miniature Trains, the Recreation Reserve, the Caravan Park, the Yacht Club and the Show Grounds.
    With the Panorama Estate about to start construction, the exit from Point Richards Rd. onto Portarlington Rd. will course a traffic chaos.
    The land comes under rural F Z =FARM ZONE. The proposed project does not comply with the Victorian Planning Policy and does not comply with the Portarlington Structure Plan Land map that this land remains as a rural break to Drysdale. It is also a Cultural Heritage Sensitive area, and there is nothing about Chocolate Factory that is rural.
    There is also the fauna to consider, Hawks and Eagles feed in this paddock. Not to mention the Growling Grass Frog, an endangered species that inhabit the land and its habitat that will be lost.
    Before I purchased the land on which I was planning to build my forever dream home, l approached Geelong Planning and asked about the farmland on the opposite side of the road and was advised that as it was Rural F Z, nothing would happen to it in my lifetime.
    I have spent a large sum of money building and creating a comfortable home for my family, and I feel that if this proposal goes ahead that I will have a very significant fall in my property value and a diminished lifestyle. I mean, who wants to live opposite a car park and a smelly Chocolate Factory.
    

31. My husband and I purchased and built 15 years ago looking forward to retirement we never envisaged a chocolate factory being built along with rental accomodation at any time
    This was our seachange without extra traffic and people impacting on this semi rural area .
    The traffic impact study stating minimal impact is a joke it’s hard enough to negotiate the traffic in the warmer months with the caravan park residents and the booties all heading to the ramp as of 5.00am daily in the peak season
    The impact on the endangered growling grass frog will be devasting also the hawks and eagles in the same area
    The native flora and native grasses will also be impacted greatly, once gone there will be no regeneration
    A chocolate factory and accommodation will not enhance the area in our opinion, the pretence of a child petting zoo , orchards ,strawberry’s we have all this w.hey duplicate opposite housing where people have invested large sums of money for the future family members
    This is not needed in a residential street .

32. I live opposite the farmland that the proposed project is on. I have viewed the plans and all documentation supplied with them.

    My objections are as follows:

    1. The land comes under rural F Z =FARM ZONE. The proposed project does not comply with the Victorian Planning Policy and does not comply with the Portarlington Structure Plan Land map that this land remains as a rural break to Drysdale.
    
    2. The Planning, Schemes Maps Zone 42. Clearly shows that parcel of land as Rural Farming, and there is nothing about a Chocolate Factory that is rural.
    
    3. This area is zoned sensitive to Cultural Heritage,
    
    4. There is also the fauna to consider. Hawks and Eagles feed in this paddock. Not to mention the Growling Grass Frog, an endangered species that inhabit the land and its habitat that will be lost forever.

    
    5. The Traffix Group Assessment, has been taken at the wrong time of year. It did not, take into account the increase in traffic that occurs from late September to late April during the peak holiday season. Point Richards Rd services the Point Richards Boat Ramp, the Miniature Trains, the Recreation Reserve, the Caravan Park, the Yacht Club and the Show Grounds.
    With the Panorama Estate about to start construction, the exit from Point Richards Rd onto Portarlington Rd. will course traffic chaos.
    
    6. Before we purchased the land on which we planned to build our home, we approached Geelong Planning and asked about the farmland on the opposite side of the road, and we were advised that as it was Rural F Z, nothing would happen to it in our lifetime.
    
    
    7. We have spent a large sum of money building and creating a comfortable family home. I feel that if this proposal goes ahead our lifestyle would be diminished, and that our property would lose significant value.
    
    
    8. If this proposal goes ahead, I will have a car park area opposite me with parking, for about 80 cars, which will be very noisy with the car doors opening and closing and people talking loudly. It would not be just a couple of people, but between 300 to 600 every day, between the hours 10 am.- 6 pm. seven days a week. That is without the out of hours, deliveries and cleaners coming and going. Not to mention the noise and pollution those cars will cause.
    
    9. There is also a waste bin collection with double gates opposite my home. This will turn into an easy drop-off point for café deliveries, and this will turn into a parking area on the nature strip.
    
    10. No one wants to live in front of a parking lot and an unpleasant chocolate factory.

    Hopefully, you will consider my objections and make the right decision, for Portarlington and its residents.

33. I hope this goes ahead. We have many wineries why not a place the whole family can enjoy. This proposed site is perfect for what is being proposed. Can't wait to see it happen. Fingers crossed.

34. When we purchased our home in Portarlington 4 years ago we were told that the farmland would never be built on. Lying, scheming councils that can be won over with money. The olive grove will soon be replaced with houses.....what next? We don't need another Rosebud or Torquay. Please stop!

35. As long as this development passes all environmental recommendations it would be a great addition to the area providing a family oriented business which would bring much needed employment and family friendly entertainment. Consider the Chocalterie outside Anglesea which, I think, has low visual impact on the surrounding area. I live in Portarlington and have just lost my view towards Geelong and the You Yangs, due to neighbours building a house that almost covers the entire block, but was told you don't own a view and you will get used to it, so I understand the loss. Nevertheless, you can't live in paradise and then reject others who want to share it. The people on Pt Richards Road would not lose the whole view as the development looks like it has a low profile. Unfortunately, the few have to lose something to benefit the many.

36. I have been living on the Bellarine Peninsula for over 20 years and overdevelopment is destroying the Bellarine.

    Clifton Springs/Drysdale has become a growth zone with a massive subdivision extending as far as the Curlewis Golf Course. In Ocean Grove a huge swathe of farmland was rezoned residential to allow subdivisions as far as the eye can see without any upgrades to the roads. Port Arlington is now at risk of becoming the latest casualty to be consumed by the growing suburban sprawl. The townships of Barwon Heads and Queenscliffe have been spared although there are subdivisions on a smaller scale opening up in Point Lonsdale.

    Tourists and local holidaymakers visit the Bellarine to enjoy the coastal ambience, swim in the surf beaches, visit the wineries and eateries while enjoying the rural atmosphere. If we allow subdivisions to consume the Bellarine - we are putting the fragile coastal eco-system at risk and changing what was once a holiday destination into a wall-to-wall subdivision thereby destroying a much loved resort that is within 200 kilometres of Melbourne.

    Local residents must oppose over-development because politicians have the power to rezone land with the stroke of a pen. We have an election coming up and that means getting an undertaking from all the candidates that there will be no more subdivisions opening up on the Bellarine. The only subdivisions that can be allowed are blocks of land of no less then 3-5 acres with strict rules protecting trees.

    I rest my case.

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