Portarlington may have once been a sleepy seaside village, but life is changing quickly on the northern tip of the Bellarine Peninsula.
A chocolate factory may not seem like an obvious symptom of a town undergoing rapid growth but a proposal to build one on the outskirts of Portarlington has raised local eyebrows. Noel Freeman said he bought his property directly opposite the proposed chocolate factory on Point Richards Road about 10 years ago expecting the area’s agricultural history would prevent any further development.On a clear day, the You Yangs across Corio Bay are visible from Freeman’s property. The surrounding fields are blanketed with picturesque golden canola.
“We would love to see it protected,” Bride said. “It’s still in pretty good condition but it does need restoration and if they were to take it with jackhammers it might not survive.” Submissions have closed and the City of Greater Geelong is assessing them. The question of more open space being lost between the townships of the Bellarine is also part of the debate.
tom_cowie It's too crowded now..too many ethnics are coming and visiting our lovely once quiet seaside retreat, with their funny food and BBQs and fancy cars 😂😂😂
tom_cowie Portarlington is so good. Most of Melbourne has no idea what's there.
tom_cowie Our version of Martha's Vineyard