By Cameron Weston
WILLIAMSTOWN North residents filled the usually empty public gallery at Hobsons Bay council chambers last week, holding a silent protest to protect their quiet streets.
About 45 residents held signs and banners made from bed sheets, as the council decided on the final details of the Industrial Land Management Strategy, the blueprint for industrial land in the municipality for the next 15 years.
While not a rezoning plan, the strategy formalises the council’s position on a number of undeveloped pockets of land or “precints” in Hobsons Bay.
It was Precinct 13 that had the public out in force.
Precinct 13 is a parcel of land at the end of Violet St in Williamstown North, bordered by Maddox Rd, Kororoit Creek Rd and Akuna Drive.
It has been the source of heated arguments between nearby residents for more than a decade.
It was also the only precinct that the council had not formally adopted into the land strategy because of the intense debate over its future.
The council decided that it would earmark the land for residential use, after prolonged debate.
It was under significant pressure from residents on both sides of the argument, including about 500 signatures calling for the area to be earmarked for residential development, and about 300 supporting industrial development.
All residents in nearby streets wanted to stop extra traffic using their streets, but took opposing positions on how this would best be achieved,
Some fear extra truck traffic in an industrial zone, while others worry about more cars, should the area become residential.
Yet others, those with land next to the undeveloped areas, were concerned that factories could be built too close to their houses.
Planning and Environment Director Eric Braslis stressed that the strategy did not seek to rezone specific areas, but rather set out “a vision” for future land use.
Spotswood Ward councillor Bill Baarini said the council decision to earmark the land for residential use would be vindicated in years to come.
“The council has to think about where it wants to take the community in the next 20 to 30 years,” he said.
“If you can get a few hundred homes there … find land that will provide a new community, I think this council will be heading in the right direction.”
But Altona Ward councillor Leigh Hardinge refused to support the motion, saying the land had once been a tip site and abattoir and could be unsafe. “It is rather premature (to make decisions) without knowing what is in there. It should be left industrial.”
Williamstown Ward councillor Angela Altair also refused to support the motion, saying the council was obliged to “apply fairness” to existing industry in the area.
Cr Altair said industrial uses were “valid” and it was important that the council located potential workplaces were near residential areas.
