A draft Statement of Planning Policy for the Bellarine Peninsula has been referred to an Independent Standing Committee by Planning Minister Richard Wynne.
The Andrews Labor Government declared the Bellarine Peninsula a 'distinctive area and landscape' in 2019, recognising its beautiful coastal environment, unique green spaces, local producers and lifestyle were under pressure from urban development.
The declaration triggered the need for a Statement of Planning Policy for the area, to ensure significant landscapes, environmental and cultural values of the area will be protected and enhanced now and in the future.
The draft policy was developed in collaboration with the Wadawurrung, the Borough of Queenscliffe, the City of Greater Geelong and following extensive consultation with community and industry.
Due to strong community views on the need to finalise the policy as quickly as possible, the Independent Standing Committee will only consider submissions made to the panel's earlier work on settlement boundaries and will undertake this review as a matter of urgency.
The policy is a high-level strategic planning document that will guide the future use, development and management of land in the Bellarine Peninsula declared area over the next 50 years.
The draft policy includes strategies to protect green breaks and agricultural land in declared area and proposes new settlement boundaries − limiting townships and stopping urban development from encroaching on productive agricultural areas.
The Bellarine Peninsula Statement of Planning Policy is expected to be finalised by mid-2022, subject to the outcomes of the Committee process.
As stated by Minister for Planning Richard Wynne
"This process is the best way to deliver a thorough investigation for this important area − ensuring the character of the Bellarine Peninsula is preserved while taking the views of the community into account."
"I want to make sure the character of the Bellarine Peninsula is protected as part of the Andrews Labor Government's work to preserve our distinctive areas and landscapes."
"Delivering the final Statement to Planning Policy for Bellarine is a priority, and we will be acting with urgency to finalise it by mid-year."
