Bass Coast Shire Council has formally endorsed the final draft of the Statement of Planning Policy (SPP) as requested by the Victorian Government. This will pave the way for long-term protection and sustainable management of the region's unique landscapes, townships, and environment.
The SPP is designed to provide a 50-year vision for land use planning in Bass Coast, identifying what makes the region distinctive and outlining strategies to preserve and enhance those attributes for current and future generations. The SPP is reviewable in 10 years.
Bass Coast was first declared a Distinctive Area and Landscape (DAL) in 2019 under the Planning and Environment Act 1987. This declaration recognised the environmental, cultural, and scenic significance of the area, and increasing pressure from urban development and other land use changes.
Following extensive community consultation over several years, the final draft of the SPP reflects the community's aspirations, expert input, and feedback on key planning and environmental matters, including protected settlement boundaries, significant landscapes, and the Western Port Woodlands.
As part of the resolution, Council will now write to the Minister for Planning requesting:
- An implementation schedule for a Planning Scheme Amendment to embed the SPP and apply the Significant Landscape Overlay as exhibited;
- That the State Government immediately commence a strategic environmental assessment to determine the extent and significance of biodiversity in the Western Port Woodlands;
- That an interim Environmental Significance Overlay be introduced to the Western Port Woodlands to ensure its ongoing protection while that assessment is underway.
Cr Halstead said the Western Port Woodlands are one of the region's most ecologically important areas.
"The Woodlands are a vital biodiversity corridor and a much-loved part of our natural landscape. Council is calling for immediate and meaningful action from the State Government to ensure they are protected now and into the future."
Once approved by all 25 Responsible Public Entities, of which Council is one, the Minister for Planning will progress the final policy for approval. The SPP will take effect once published in the Government Gazette and will become part of the Victoria Planning Provisions, guiding all future planning decisions across Bass Coast.
