Lara, Victoria, Australia - News from 2006

Back to current news

Regional Community Award

Lara has won the award for Best Regional Community with a Population Over 5000, in the Regional Achievement and Community Awards. The award includes $2000 to spend on community projects. Congratulations to everybody in the community and especially those who worked hard to apply for this award. [ Geelong News, Wed 18 Oct 2006, page 3]

14 October 2006

Update from the Local Windermere Ward Councillor, Tony Ansett

Opposing Residential Development Near Serendip Santuary

A local developer and some local land owners are seeking to overturn the Lara Structure Plan by rezoning land along Windermere/Caddys Road from rural/residential to residential zoning. This rezoning would permit developers to construct high density housing, however the Structure Plan reserves this area as part of a wildlife corridor, critical to preserve and protect Serendip Sanctuary and its surrounds. Development of this area may also impact stormwater drainage downstream through Hovells Creek and Limeburners Bay.

Tourism

Efforts continue to be made to promote the Lara area to tourists, with additional signage on the Princes Highway highlighting Serendip Sanctuary and the You Yangs.

Tree Replacement

Sugar gum trees on McClelland Avenue have become unstable and have started to fall over. After community consultation, these trees will be removed and replaced with alternative species.

Charity Donation Bins

The bins for the donation of used goods to charity organisations have been removed from rail land, after they were regularly used for the disposal of unwanted couches and beds, creating a public eyesore. The City of Greater Geelong are considering a new system to collect clothes, however donations may still be made locally through The Salvation Army shop and the Anglican shop.

Lara Structure Plan Update

The Lara Structure Plan was critical to stop the very fast growth that was taking place in the township of Lara, and will provide a structure and mechanism for the town to grow whilst addressing infrastructure development needs. The plan provides for a target population growth of 13,500 over 12 years. The new Great Lakes estate will take up to 10 years to complete.

Shopping Centre Development

By August 2007, the new shopping centre should be ready for tender, with $25,000 received from State Government to fast track the critical project.

Aldi Supermarket on Broderick Road

After the plans for an Aldi supermarket on the corner of Broderick Road and Princes Highway were rejected by an independant panel, the proposal has been backed by local council and the State Minister.

Swimming Pool Upgrade

Recent work on the Lara pool at a cost of $48,000 has included the removal of the step from the pool surround, new hand rails and a new ramp to permit wheelchair access.

Hovells Creek/Serendip Path

Progress has been made with the project; the path will go under the Hume Bridge and connect to Hoffman's Walk, then cross Hovells Creek and go all the way up to the Serendip Creek Reserve emerging on Windermere Road into Serendip Santuary and will exit the Santuary at the other end onto Flinders Avenue.

Heavy Traffice

Discussions are under way to put a 5 ton limit from Curletts Road to Walkers Road.

Road Improvements

The corner of Bates Road and Hicks Street will soon have a centre island constructed. Archimedes Avenue will be sealed on the Rennie Street end soon.

RSL

The RSL Gates will soon be landscaped and paged. The RSL Hall was recently painted.

Sporting Facilities

Construction will soon commence on the new netball courts, change rooms and grandstand at the Lara Sporting Club. The upgrade to the cricket practice area has been completed. Work will also commence on the new soccer ground, however water restrictions have prevented commencement.

Lara Lake Expansion

The ABI Group, the contractor for Stage 1 of the Geelong Ring Road, has offered to increase the size of the lake by approximately 1 acre. This fits the original plan for a more open expanse of water to better reflect the original lake.

Extracted from "Update from Your Local Windermere Ward Councillor - Tony Ansett", November 2006.

Limeburners Link Program Launched by Shell Australia and Greening Australia

A major new social investment initiative has been launched in the Geelong region. The initiative is a partnership between Shell Australia and Greening Australia, with the support of the City of Greather Geelong. The program is a three-year, $300,000 program that will focus on community training and engagement in environmental improvement at Limeburners Lagoon, north of Geelong. Limeburners Lagoon provides habitat for more than 40 of the State's endangered and threatened species. Volunteer activities planned for the project will involved hundreds of students from local high schools as well as community and Landcare groups, employees from Shell Geelong Refinery and the City of Greater Geelong. To volunteer for training days, call Danny Reddan at Greening Australia on (03) 9450 5309.

June 2006

New Public Toilet at Six Ways

A state of the art, self-cleaning toilet is being installed opposite the Six Ways shopping centre and carpark.

June 2006

Lions Club of Lara forms a Leos Section for Youth

The Lions Club of Lara have recently formed a Leos club with students from Lara Secondary College, aiming to raise funds and promote community involvement.

June 2006

Over-sized Trucks in Lara

The Township of Lara Care Group have raised concern over the number of over-sized trucks travelling in many directions through Lara. This is causing damage to roundabouts and nature strips, whilst also potentially putting residents at risk. VicRoads, and local and state governments are being lobbied in relation to this issue.

June 2006

Pool Upgrade

A $40,000 upgrade to the Lara Pool complex is underway, including new paving, improved disabled access and removal of the lip around the edge of the pool. [ Geelong News, Wed 4 Oct 2006, page 19 ]

19 September 2006

Refurbished Clubhouse at Elcho Park Golf Club

The Elcho Park Golf Club has just completed a $130,000 project to refurbish their clubhouse, including renovations to the interior and exterior. [ Geelong News, Wed 6 Sep 2006, page 21 ]

6 September 2006

National Tree Day

The Township of Lara Care Group and local residents celebrated National Tree Day on August 20 by planting 350 local indigenous trees and shrubs along the boundary of the Serendip Creek Public Reserve in preparation for further planning and pathways.

25 August 2006

Multi-Million Ford Investment in Lara

Ford has announced that Lara will be the sight of one of three new automotive test facilities totalling $20m, a collaborative project between Ford and the University of Melbourne. The Lara facility is planned to be the largest of the three centres and will be located in Ford's existing proving ground facility, and will be used to simulate "extreme" weather conditions. [ Geelong Independent, Fri 18 Aug 2006, page 15 ]

9 August 2006

2006 Tidy Town Awards

Lara was named the Tidy Town Sustainable Community for the entire southern region of Victoria, along with numerous other awards including the Proud School Award and Young Leaders Award to Lara Secondary College. The Lara community now advances to the state titles on 9 September. [ Geelong News, Wed 9 Aug 2006, page 20 ]

9 August 2006

2006 Lara Citizen of the Year: Jack Richards

Jack Richards was awarded the 2006 Lara Citizen of the Year award by the Lions Club of Lara. Jack has been involved in community activities for many years, more recently focusing on environmental issues including the Tidy Towns Awards. The three other nominees included Fred Grove, Rob Leonard and John Thompson. [ Geelong News, Wed 5 Jul 2006, page 15 ]

5 July 2006

Railway Station Upgrade

The state government has announced a major upgrade to the Lara railway station to create a new 'Parkway', an initiative that would provide patrons with better access to the station, improved car parking and upgraded station amenities. Works will include upgraded and expanded car parking, covered walkways, improved lighting, and signage on major road networks alerting motorists of the facility.

June 2006

Update from Local Councillor, Tony Ansett

Shopping Centre Update

Proposed redevelopment of the main shopping centre and Austin Park have been submitted to the State Government for approval, after unanimous approval by local council. Land involved in the redevelopment is owned by numerous organisations, requiring careful planning and negotiation.

Road Improvements

Numerous road infrastructure projects are underway or have been completed, including:

  • Peak Street running directly into Station Lake Road
  • a new intersection at Patullos Road and Elcho Road
  • resealing of James Street damaged by flooding and poor construction
  • street sign replacement

Lara Sporting Club

Improvements include:

  • new football change rooms
  • new grandstand and coaches box
  • two new netball courts with shelters and lights
  • new cricket practice area

Irrigation of the number two football ground and perimeter fencing of the main sporting area was recently completed. Eight acres of land adjoining oval number three was been purchased to provide two new soccer grounds and parking facilities.

Lara Tennis Club

Lara Tennis Club has been earmarked to receive two new courts and an upgrade to club rooms.

Lara Primary School Oval Irrigation

Irrigation is being installed to the Lara Primary School oval, providing the Lara Soccer Club a home ground until new facilities become available.

Playgrounds

A new $25,000 playground has been purchased for installation at Waverley Road in the sports area. Another new playground has been erected at Chirnside Park in Benjamin Drive, replacing the old playground which had deteriorated. A rotunda will be built over the barbeque area.

Lara Lakes

An additional $60,000 is budgetted for a gazebo and boardwalks.

Hovell's Creek Walking Track

The track from the Grammar School to the RSL in Lara was been extended under the Station Lake Road bridge, connecting to Hoffman's Walk.

June 2006

New Public Toilet at Six Ways

A state of the art, self-cleaning toilet is being installed opposite the Six Ways shopping centre and carpark.

June 2006

Lions Club of Lara forms a Leos Section for Youth

The Lions Club of Lara have recently formed a Leos club with students from Lara Secondary College, aiming to raise funds and promote community involvement.

June 2006

Over-sized Trucks in Lara

The Township of Lara Care Group have raised concern over the number of over-sized trucks travelling in many directions through Lara. This is causing damage to roundabouts and nature strips, whilst also potentially putting residents at risk. VicRoads, and local and state governments are being lobbied in relation to this issue.

June 2006

Clean Up Australia Day Success

Congratulations and thanks to all who participated in Clean Up Australia Day in Lara and beyond. 87 volunteers worked in the Lara area filling four mini-skips with rubbish! Canterbury Road East and Bacchus Marsh Road between Stacey's Road and Barwon Prison had a major clean up.

20 March 2006

New Council Land for Sporting Club Expansion

The City of Greater Geelong recently acquired the land between Mill Road and the Lara Primary School for use by the Lara Sporting Club. The land will be turned into a full size soccer pitch and training ground to accommodate the needs of the growing soccer section of the Sporting Club. The Council is also considering building two additional netball courts. [ Geelong News, Wed 4 Jan 2006, page 22 ]

4 January 2006

New Grand Lakes Estate Planned for Lara

Bisinella Developments is planning a new 780 lot residential estate in Lara, soon to be considered by the City of Greater Geelong for approval. The estate will cover 84 hectares to the west of the existing residential area between Buckingham Street and Canterbury Road. 25 hectares of lakes and parks with community recreation facilities are included in the plan. Lara councillor Tony Ansett supports the proposal, considering it consistent with the council's structure plan for Lara. [ Geelong News, Wed 4 Jan 2006, page 12 ]

4 January 2006

Direct Factory Outlet Possibility for Avalon

Avalon Airport is under consideration as the location for a new direct factory outlet complex, creating up to 1000 ongoing jobs in addition to construction related jobs. [ Geelong News, Wed 4 Jan 2006, page 11 ]

4 January 2006