Surf Coast Shire Council has adopted a precinct concept plan designed to guide and influence planning of the future Messmate Road Growth Area in Torquay.
The concept plan has been developed in response to a request from developers for the northern end of the growth area to be considered through the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program (a new state-led accelerated pathway for priority development projects).
It details Council's aims for the new precinct to be developed as a highly liveable community, with well-planned facilities and open space, environmental protections, transport connections and a mix of housing types.
The layout has been informed by detailed stormwater investigations to ensure the protection of the Karaaf Wetlands and Deep Creek.
The growth area is on the north-western side of Messmate Road, between Coombes Road at the south end and Surf Coast Highway in the north.
It has been identified as a future urban area suitable for accommodating further growth in Torquay, to help meet the Victorian Government's target of 8000 extra homes in the Surf Coast Shire by 2051.
The precinct concept plan has been developed around six key principles aligned with Council's Urban Futures Strategy for sustainable growth of the shire, as well as the Victorian Government's Distinctive Areas and Landscapes declaration for the Surf Coast.
These are:
Integrated water management
Protecting the environment and local waterways, with no stormwater run-off to the sensitive Karaaf Wetlands.
Environment
Protect remnant vegetation and mitigate impacts to native fauna. Create tree-lined streets and walkable neighbourhoods. Recognise and protect Aboriginal cultural heritage.
Housing
Meeting the strategic need for a diversity of housing and lot sizes to suit differing residents' needs, while maintaining Torquay's coastal character.
Movement
Creating a safe and interconnected street network suitable for all users, including walkers and cyclists, with road and intersection upgrades to cater to traffic volumes.
Open space and community facilities
Community services that meet local needs, and open space distributed across the growth area (within 400m of all homes).
Employment
Creating local jobs with employment land along Messmate Road and a centrally located neighbourhood activity centre featuring shops and services.
Councillor Joel Grist said it is important for Council that the whole growth area is master planned as one precinct.
"This approach would help achieve the best outcomes for the community and meet our strategic aims for sustainable growth," Cr Grist said.
"We're therefore requesting that planning for the entire precinct – north and south ends – be considered through the Development Facilitation Program together, with the concept plan as a key guide to influencing the final outcome.
"We understand this process would include an opportunity for the community to have a say in how the growth area is planned and developed."
The concept plan aligns closely with the new Council Plan 2025-29, developed with input from more than 1000 community members and featuring a strategic direction of 'Sustainable Communities.'
This strategic direction includes:
Planning for a greater diversity of housing and more affordable housing options;
maintaining what people love about living in this region, including town character and our significant natural landscapes;
Providing diverse local employment opportunities; and
Increasing community liveability by reducing car dependency.
At this stage there is no set timeframe for the start of development in the precinct.
If the Minister for Planning becomes the planning authority, the process and timing will be managed by the Department of Transport and Planning.
