BREAK THE FUEL DROUGHT!

The absence of a fuel outlet continues to be of concern for our community. It seems that the “fuel committee” has become bogged down with “what ifs” and “but thens” for the time being.
The nabobs at the CoGG agree that the establishment of a fuel outlet on the North Bellarine is urgently required, but that its sitting should be suitable to the amenity of its surrounds, and that a very strong case must be put for a particular site when compared with other suggested locations.
The development at the corners of Queenscliff and Tower Roads proposed by John Lascaris, with approval from our town planners, looks to be a really progressive project. It does include a six bowser fuel facility, as well as car wash, 30 warehouses, a café, shops etc. Its initial estimated construction cost is in the vicinity of $7million. But its commencement relies on the pre-selling of many of the warehouses before they are constructed.
If these sales are completed, then they will be built. This will be followed by further construction, after pre-sales, of the next stage, which includes a fuel outlet.
This could take some time. Whilst Mr Lascaris is confident that sales and construction will take place along his proposed time line he says that, if all goes well, construction of the first batch of warehouses would not take place until mid 2013 at the earliest. We wish him well—such a concept has many benefits for North Bellarine in terms of business development, provision of services and jobs.
But it stills means that the provision of a fuel outlet is a long way away—it’s in the following stage! This could mean that the construction of a fuel outlet in Portarlington could be another 3, 4, 5, 6 or more years away.
We still need to travel towards Geelong to fill up our vehicles and buy fuel for our motor mowers. While we’re there fuelling up we buy our groceries, clothes, meat, and other essentials. While were up there we purchase other goods and services, many of which are, and could be, available in Portarlington, Indented Head or St Leonards.
We’re sure that business owners in Portarlington and the whole North Bellarine can’t wait for a fuel outlet to be provided!
And the lack of fuel availability costs us extra money as well! This money could be spent in our community and everybody down here benefits.
Maybe it’s time to bite the bullet and consider another venue, at least on temporary basis. The “portable” facilities that many Victorian towns have adopted must be the answer. To find a site which is eminently more suitable than any other shouldn’t be so hard, should it? It, possibly, will be temporary. When a permanent outlet is constructed the temporary facilities could be removed.
The proposed site on the corner of Hood Road and Oxley Street (Golf Club land not on the golf course) is, at least, a starting point, although some rezoning will need to be agreed upon.