The City of Greater Geelong has adopted rezoning Amendment C143, which provides for the extension of the Corio Quay North berth, together with an accompanying planning permit for the construction of the berth extension and cargo loading facilities.

The adopted amendment will be submitted to the Minister for Planning for approval, together with a recommendation that the accompanying permit be issued. 

Planning portfolio holder Cr Rod Macdonald said Amendment C143 was exhibited in June and July 2007, during which time nine submissions were received, and were subsequently referred to an Independent Panel appointed by the Minister.

The Panel recommended that Council adopted the amendment, subject to a number of minor changes.

He said the Independent Panel had found that the proposed rezoning and berth extension would result in a net community benefit, and substantial economic benefits.

"The Panel found that the impacts on both the marine environment and the health, safety and amenity of residential areas to the north of the Corio Quay area would be minimal," Cr Macdonald said.

"The use of the proposed berth extension will be controlled by a Section 173 Agreement, which will ensure that it will be used only for the handling of bulk and break bulk cargoes," he said.