Minister for Planning Richard Wynne today officially declared Torquay, Jan Juc and surrounds as Distinctive Areas and Landscapes (DAL) under the Planning and Environment Act 1987.

The Surf Coast declared area focuses on Torquay and Jan Juc and extends along the coastline from the eastern edge of the Great Otway National Park to Breamlea Flora and Fauna Reserve. It also covers the nearby hinterland area including the landscape setting of Bellbrae.

“The Government will now begin working on a Statement of Planning Policy setting out a 50-year vision for the region to guide development controls and settlement boundaries.
This will provide a framework to ensure the excellent beaches, coastal biodiversity, recreation and tourism attributes of the Surf Coast continue to be of special significance.
The DAL will be subject to the same strong protections that are in place for Melbourne’s permanent Urban Growth Boundary, which requires parliamentary approval for amendments.”
For more information on Surf Coast Distinctive Area and Landscape Declaration visit: https://engage.vic.gov.au/distinctive-areas-and-landscapes-program/surf-coast

There will be further community and stakeholder engagement opportunities as the project progresses. This will include the opportunity to make submissions on a draft Statement of Planning Policy.