A leading property developer has announced it will stop making new investments in Greater Geelong until changes are made to the region’s planning approval system.

Tom Roe, a senior executive with Gersh Investment Partners, said the company had become frustrated with delays and uncertainty surrounding major development projects. He argued that planning decisions should be handled by professional bodies rather than elected councillors, claiming political considerations were affecting investment confidence.

The developer’s concerns come as Geelong continues to experience strong demand for housing, infrastructure and urban renewal. The region has been identified as one of Victoria’s key growth areas, with government targets requiring tens of thousands of additional homes over coming decades.

Roe pointed to several delayed projects, including Balmoral Quay and Edenville, as examples of what he described as challenges within the current planning process. He said lengthy approvals and community opposition were making it harder for developers to deliver housing and investment projects.

The comments have reignited debate about the role of local councils in planning decisions. Supporters of council involvement argue that elected representatives provide an important community voice and ensure residents have input into how their neighbourhoods develop.

The City of Greater Geelong has defended its planning role, saying it remains committed to delivering housing growth while considering community needs, infrastructure requirements and environmental factors. Council representatives have previously rejected claims that delays in housing projects are solely due to council processes, pointing to other factors such as government approvals and environmental assessments.

The dispute highlights a broader challenge facing many growing Australian cities: balancing the need for more housing with local concerns about development scale, infrastructure pressure and neighbourhood character.

Geelong has attracted significant attention from investors due to its population growth, proximity to Melbourne and expanding employment opportunities. However, developers argue that uncertainty in planning systems can discourage investment and increase project costs.

Industry groups have also called for clearer and more consistent planning frameworks, saying faster approvals are needed to increase housing supply and support economic growth.

Residents and community groups, however, often argue that planning decisions should not focus only on speed and investment outcomes. They say local communities should have a meaningful role in decisions that affect streets, suburbs and future city development.

The debate comes during a period of significant housing pressure across Victoria, with governments under increasing pressure to deliver more homes while maintaining liveable communities.

For Geelong, the disagreement represents a wider question about who should control the future shape of the city — local elected officials, state authorities or independent planning experts.

The property industry says reform is needed to restore investor confidence, while councils maintain that community representation remains a vital part of democratic planning.

The outcome of the debate could influence how future housing and commercial developments are approved across Greater Geelong.