Plans have been adopted for the liveability of Corangamite Shire's two biggest towns over the next 15-20 years.
At its November meeting Council adopted the Camperdown and Terang structure plans which will support the growth of each town while protecting their unique characters.
Mayor Kate Makin said the plans provided a vision and guidance on how to manage change in each town.
"They include strategies and actions to achieve the visions which were after a year of consultation with residents about what they want for their hometowns.
"The plans set out what facilities and infrastructure are needed, challenges that need to be addressed and opportunities that Council can support."
The towns provide key services, business and housing opportunities for surrounding areas. The plans consider how the towns can take advantage of business and tourism opportunities and respond to the challenges of climate change and housing supply.
They aim to ensure that any changes are well considered and planned to maintain and enhance the individual town's character and vibrancy.
"Both the Camperdown and Terang communities strongly value the heritage buildings, tree-lined streetscapes, overall character and the welcoming, friendly atmospheres of each town," Cr Makin said.
"Among other things, Camperdown residents interviewed called for more rental and affordable housing and housing suitable for older people, improved pedestrian access, develop the economy and tourism offerings and promotion.
"In Terang they wanted better access to services such as specialist medical services, mobile and NBN, more diverse hospitality options and a greater range of range of housing needs including retirement and aged care and more rental accommodation.
"Traffic speeds and job opportunities to keep young people were also highlighted."
Informed by these community input, technical analysis and feedback to drafts released in June, highlights of the plans include:
Camperdown
Vision: Camperdown is a vibrant, walkable town that celebrates its picturesque setting and heritage, offering diverse housing, strong services, and a thriving, sustainable economy for all generations.
Key features:
- Rezone certain commercial land for residential development
- A maximum two-storey limit
- Redevelopment of the former saleyards
- Protect and enhance the town's character attributes, such as tree-lined avenues
Terang
Vision: Terang is a welcoming, connected town that values heritage and inclusivity, balancing growth with preservation and supporting all ages through housing, services, and a thriving economy.
Key features:
- Rezone certain land to better reflect existing uses and support commercial and/or residential uses.
- Rezone the former Hampden Primary School site to Mixed Use Zone to facilitate a range of residential and commercial uses.
- Maximum 2-storey limit
- Identify potential locations for an aged care development.
Both prioritise key pedestrian and cycle movements and road crossings, encourage reduced speed limits, and call for Federal and State investment in community facilities.
The final plans will form the basis for future Planning Scheme Amendments to implement its recommendations.
■ Also at the November meeting, Council resolved to withdraw request for Ministerial authorisation for the Skipton Structure Plan − Planning Scheme Amendment.
The Department of Transport and Planning has said authorisation was unlikely without more focus on flood impacts, social and economic implications, and mitigation options.
"The structure plan as it stands is good work, it just needs a bit more fine tuning to get the best for the people of Skipton," Cr Makin said.
