Need some points to help with your submission and don’t have time to read all the documents?

If you are just concerned with stopping urban developent west of Duffields Rd then just say you choose Option 2 - you don’t have to say why but if you want to add some points you can use one/all the points below. Put them in your own words if you can.

Why Option 2?

1.Choosing Option 2 does not stop development –from FAQ document on the engage vic website - https://engage.vic.gov.au/distinctive-areas-and-landscapes-program/surf-coast - “future residential growth would be accommodated elsewhere within the Torquay–Jan Juc urban area, within the Surf Coast Shire local government area and/or the region.”

2.We need to better protect the state and nationally significant landscapes found along the coast and surrounding Torquay-Jan Juc.

3.Spring Creek valley has now been declared a state significant landscape which also includes areas of aboriginal cultural significance and the endangered Yellow gum.

4.Responds to one of the 4 stated objectives “to enhance the conservation of the environment in declared areas including unique habitats, ecosystems and biodiversity.

5.Spring Creek, west of Duffields should be designated outside the protected settlement boundary and form part of the green break between Torquay–Jan Juc and Bellbrae.

6.Spring Creek, west of Duffields should be rezoned to prevent future urban development and the necessary overlays to protect existing vegetation.

Reject Option 1 because –

1.It does not provide any detail as to how development would differ to what has been proposed.

2. It is in conflict with the statement ‘Further outward greenfield growth will occur in designated areas that do not compound impacts on surrounding areas of high biodiversity value, Aboriginal cultural heritage, state and nationally-significant landscapes and natural resources.’

If you are also concerned about Town Character - add some points about building heights.

Building Heights and Coastal Character

Maximum 2 storey / 7.5m in Residential areas

Maximum 3 storey/10.5m in commercial areas

No 4 storey buildings in the Town Centre

Support a review of requirements for landscaping, building site coverage, private open space and permeability to provide enough space for landscaping and large canopy trees.

Concerned about the Karaaf Wetlands, which are of international significance? - the proposed Investigation Area ( the Flower farm on Horseshoe Bend Rd) on the map could accommodate 2500 extra people. The runoff from extra development would most likely end up in the Karaaf Wetlands that are already being impacted by polluted runoff from the new developments to the west of the Sands. Say no to development of the investigation area.

Proposed Transit Corridor - marked in green on the map - support an electric bus system and separate bike path. So no to a train line.

Bells Beach and Point Addis- acknowledged as nationally significant and internationally renowned surf spots. The declared area extends 600 metres out to sea from the shore line and the view from the water back towards the shoreline should be protected. Say no to any more intrusive infrastructure (proposed Winki Platform.)

HAVE YOUR SAY –to make your submission or read more - https://engage.vic.gov.au/distinctive-areas-and-landscapes-program/surf-coast

If you would like to speak before the Advisory Committee then you must make a written submission and complete the relevant sections on the online form. The more people who indicate they wish to speak the more likely we will have hearing in Torquay.

Hearings are likely to be held in both Torquay and Melbourne if convened in person, or by videoconference if COVID-19 restrictions remain.