Council has last night endorsed a submission to the Surf Coast Distinctive Area and Landscape public consultation, as the declared area includes Mount Duneed and Breamlea in the Greater Geelong municipality.
The Surf Coast was declared a Distinctive Area and Landscape (DAL) by the Victorian Government in 2019, with the aim of permanently protecting the area from over-development and preserving its unique environment, landscape and lifestyle.
The declaration covers a small area of Breamlea and the area north of the Surf Coast and Greater Geelong municipal boundary at Mount Duneed Road, taking in Mount Duneed up to the Armstrong Creek Urban Growth Boundary. This northern boundary includes the Thompson Valley green break between the urban areas of Armstrong Creek and Torquay.
In 2019, council resolved that it didn't support including the area north of Mount Duneed Road, following concerns from landholders. The Minister for Planning noted the Council's position in early 2020, however the Mount Duneed area wasn't removed from the declared area.
The submission generally supports the sections of the draft Statement of Planning Policy (SPP) that relate to the Greater Geelong municipality, which will guide planning and growth for the declared area for the next 50 years. The SPP has been prepared by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) as part of the declaration as a DAL.
Last night's submission outlines concerns raised by Mount Duneed landholders about transparency and a perceived lack of consultation.
It also states that any planning scheme amendment to implement the SPP should be led and resourced by DELWP, with the City providing input.
It details the City's plans to formally start the strategic work to define a long-term boundary for urban Geelong after the Minister for Planning approves the Settlement Strategy - amendment C395. This work has already been identified in the strategy and the draft SPP.
Council's full submission can be viewed in the 2 February 2021 council meeting agenda.
Submissions will be considered by the DAL Standing Advisory Committee, which will provide an independent report to the minister.
Greater Geelong Mayor Stephanie Asher said she welcomes the opportunity for council to make a submission.
It is vitally important for the Greater Geelong Council to note and reflect the community's feedback about Mount Duneed in particular being included in the nominated area.Community members also have the chance to participate further in the Standing Advisory Committee Panel public hearings being held by DELWP in early 2021."
Councillor Kylie Grzybek, Chair of the Statutory and Strategic Planning portfolio said the submission was another chance to put forward the community's views.
In 2019, council wrote to the Minister for Planning to express concerns from Mount Duneed residents about the northern boundary, and this submission is a chance to again raise those thoughts on behalf of the community.Council's grateful to be consulted with on the draft SPP, which will be considered by the DAL Standing Advisory Committee.
