Recently reported in the Surf Coast Times - the campaign by developers to talk up the benefits of development in the Spring Creek valley ahead of the release of the Statement of Planning Policy that is the next step in the Distinctive Areas and Landscape (DAL) process for the Surf Coast.
With loss of habitat and species extinction continuing, surely we can do better than more urban development in the valley.
3228RA spoke at the Hearing of Submission for the complex on the corner of Grossmans Rd and SurfCoast Highway (85 Geelong Rd).
The biggest concern to most speakers was the addition of a Packpackers Hotel with attached Bar and Restaurant which adjoins the Lion’s Village Retirement Village.
It is likely that the application will go to VCAT as the Statutory time limit for Council to make a decision has expired.
Since we received this press release from Ratepayers Victoria(RPV), the Minister has been sacked
We now wonder how he managed to perform his duties of oversight of Local Government and question whether the new Local Government Act, introduced under his watch, is in the best interests of ratepayers?
We support their call for “a wide-ranging investigation into Local Council Governance, Decision Making, Procurement, Complaint handling, Developer Contributions, Project Spending & Councillor & CEO conduct, and Political Party influences in Councils. “
Press Release:
RATEPAYERS SEEK IBAC INVESTIGATION NOW
Ratepayers have been appalled at the allegations aired by 60 minutes against the Local Government Minister, Adem Somyurek MP. For a long time, Ratepayers Victoria has sought to clean up the corruption that appears systemic in local government. Local Government has over $10 Billion in revenue and little oversight, which makes it perfect for corrupt activities. Ratepayers are being failed on every level by The Victorian Government. Ratepayers Victoria says the evidence is CLEAR:
· CASEY COUNCIL – SACKED · WHITTLESEA COUNCIL – SACKED · SOUTH GIPPSLAND COUNCIL – SACKED · BALLARAT COUNCIL – MULTIPLE INVESTIGATIONS · WARRNAMBOOL COUNCIL – MULTIPLE INVESTIGATIONS · IBAC HEARINGS – RECORD COMPLAINTS · PARKING INFRINGEMENTS FIASCO · OMBUDSMAN – NO COMPLAINTS STANDARDS IN COUNCILS · OMBUDSMAN – RECORD COMPLAINT LEVELS · AUDITOR GENERAL – INADEQUATE GOVERNANCE CONTROLS · AUDITOR GENERAL - DEVELOPER CONTRIBUTIONS NOT CHARGED · INSPECTORATE – FAILING TO PROSECUTE DODGY COUNCILLORS “We are calling on the Premier of Victoria, Daniel Andrews MP to sack the minister & Commission an IBAC investigation into the Local Government sector”, President of Ratepayers Victoria, Dean Hurlston said. “There are now allegations of branch stacking, corruption and bullying behaviour from the minister charged with leading the local government sector, we ask why did Somyurek push for single member wards – power & control?” Mr Hurlston said.
Ratepayers Victoria want a wide-ranging investigation into Local Council Governance, Decision Making, Procurement, Complaint handling, Developer Contributions, Project Spending & Councillor & CEO conduct, and Political Party influences in Councils. “Ratepayers Victoria met with the minister last year and he refused funding to help clean up local councils – now why is that? Mr Hurlston said. Media Enquiries – 0427 862 103 or presidentrpv@gmail.com ~
The Victorian Parliament has passed legislation which will see the creation of a new entity - the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority ( GORPCA). The recent passage of the Great Ocean Road and Environs Protection Bill 2019 means the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCPA) will be established by December 1.
The new authority aims to deliver a more coordinated approach to public land management along the 243km stretch of the Great Ocean Road. GORCPA will take over the functions of the 11 different Crown land managers along the Great Ocean Road. The authority will have its headquarters in Torquay and offices in Apollo Bay and Port Campbell as well as operational bases in coastal towns.
Communities along the GOR have expressed concerns that the new board is not mandated to include local representation. Local Upper House members Andy Meddick and Stuart Grimley both presented amendments that would include greater community input, particularly in relation to the management og Bells Beach.
The new authority would sit above Parks Victoria and there are fears it could weaken the environmental protection of national parks, which make up about 80 per cent of public land along the road. Further legislation would be required before responsibility for any national parks land was transferred from Parks Victoria to the authority.
The funding options for the authority include leases, licences, caravan parks and events, as well as charging visitors such as through parking fees, vehicle passes and accommodation levies, excluding locals.
The plans for development on the corner of Grossmans Rd and the Surf Coast Highway has been resubmitted to the council. The previous plan did not show what was intended for the whole site, which was a condition of a 173 Agreement.
The new plans reveal that the area adjoining the units near Maccas has been earmarked for a Backpackers/residential hotel with restaurant and bar. also added is office space and a children's Play Centre.
The whole plan now includes - Use and development of child care centre, cinema, five convenience restaurants, medical centre, minor sports and recreation facility (children's play centre), office, residential hotel, service station and take away food premises.
The revised plans can be viewed on the Surf Coast Shire's website - https://eplanning.surfcoast.vic.gov.au The reference number is 18/0274
The Victorian Electoral Commission is changing the ward boundaries prior to this years council election.
As the population of Torquay and Jan Juc continue to grow faster than towns in other wards, residents who live in 3228 are being pushed into other wards.
More Torquay residents will be in Winchelsea Ward and Bells Beach will be in the Anglesea Ward!
According to the report there are now over 2000 residents in 3228 that are in the Winchelsea ward.
The VEC has known for some time that this was happening and we believe they should have recommended a full review to the Minister, but they chose not to.
The full report, with boundary map, can be read on the VEC website - https://www.vec.vic.gov.au/reviews/SurfCoastrr.html
From the GORCC website @ https://www.gorcc.com.au/projects/point-impossible-to-jan-juc-master-plan/
“The 11.5 kilometres of coastal foreshore between Point Impossible and Jan Juc is Crown land managed by the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee (GORCC). This stretch of coast has evolved to become a popular destination for residents, visitors and tourists. For thousands of generations, the Wadawurrung people cared for and protected these lands and waters. We pay our respects to their Ancestors and Elders – past, present and emerging, and commit to walking alongside the Wadawurrung when planning for and managing the foreshore reserve. In 1998, the Torquay Public Reserves Committee of Management (now GORCC) commissioned a master plan and management plan for the foreshore between Point Impossible and the three-tier car park in Jan Juc. The 1998 plan focused on managing vehicle and pedestrian access by defining, formalising and constructing several car parks at Point Danger, Cosy Corner, Fishermans Beach and the Nudist Beach. The foreshore reserves have considerably evolved since this time, now providing: Important marine, intertidal, coastal dune and woodland habitat for local, regional and internationally significant flora and fauna. Extensive areas of public open space, providing a strong sense of place and enabling opportunities for social interaction and recreation. Important coastal infrastructure to facilitate our enjoyment of the coast including beach access points, playgrounds, picnic tables and BBQs, car parks, amenity blocks, boardwalks. Highly valued community buildings and facilities including a boat ramp, sailing club, fishing club, and two Surf Life Saving Clubs. Activities including surf schools, events, markets and festivals, and modern and desirable services including kiosks, mobile food vendors, restaurants and cafes. Master plan project Master plans provide us and our community with a dynamic blueprint for a 10-15 year period. They set the vision and high-level actions to guide future use and development of an area and assist in long-term planning to ensure adequate resourcing of the coastal and marine environment. This draft master plan has been informed by community and stakeholder consultation conducted over summer 2019. The consultation identified several themes and proposed improvements to be considered in developing the draft master plan. “
We have received notification from VCAT about the Point of Law around the requirement for a minimum garden area for the proposed development.
This is our Press release-
3228 Residents Association expresses disappointment in VCAT decision on 5 Storey Hotel
On the 27th & 28th of February, VCAT held a Preliminary hearing on a legal point in their case against the Surf Coast Shire’s refusal to issue a Planning Permit. This Hearing was at the request of Barnes Capital Pty Ltd, developer of the proposed 5 storey hotel at 2-4 Geelong Rd, 48-50 Bell St & Lumley close, Torquay.
VCAT have now handed down their decision that the land in question is exempt from the minimum garden area requirement, in clause 32.08-4 of the Surf Coast Planning Scheme, as it a medium density housing site in an approved precinct structure plan or equivalent strategic plan.
The case will now proceed to a full hearing, expected to last 6 days, in November this year.
3228 Residents Association, who are a party to the proceedings would like to express our disappointment in the decision.
We call on the Surf Coast Shire to now acknowledge that their planning scheme is ineffective and substantially flawed. This decision is just one example of the contradictions in the planning scheme that are being manipulated by developers to subvert the intention of the planning scheme, and allow unwanted developments.
In this case, council thought its planning scheme required a minimum garden area for medium density sites, this assertion was proven to be in error. Will council now change the planning scheme to alter this, and many other, inconsistencies in the scheme?
We request a complete review that takes into account all recent VCAT decisions that went against council and adjust the scheme accordingly to prevent further inappropriate developments.
3228RA will continue to oppose this development based on it being overly high, not of coastal character and insufficient carparking.
We are requesting the council to strengthen their opposition by committing to pay for expert witness reports, of the same number and expertise as the developer is providing, to be presented to VCAT at the merits hearing to be held later in the year
We are also asking all residents who oppose this development to write to the Planning Minister to call-in the proposal with a view to require the developer to modify the proposal.
The full decision can be found at -
http://www6.austlii.edu.au/…/…/cases/vic/VCAT//2020/449.htmlCommittee, 3228RA Inc
info@3228ra.org~
As well as the workshop to be held in Torquay on 25th November, DWELP has released a survey as part of the consultation process for the Statement of Planning Policy .
The statement of Planning Policy will influence the Surf Coast Shire Planning Scheme and will among other things determine Town Boundaries and Building Heights.
3228RA doesn’t believe that enough consultation has been allowed for. The only workshop is during business hours which excludes most working people and the survey closes on 1st November.
We also have some concerns about the survey questions and have the following comments to make -
“Draft Vision
These results helped us draft this 50-year vision statement:
The Surf Coast declared area is a celebrated area of Victoria, known for its picturesque landscapes and pristine beaches.
The distinct landscapes of Point Addis, Bells Beach, the surrounding coastline and hinterlands are treasured and protected landscapes, enhanced by the natural backdrop of the Otway Ranges. The open rural areas between settlements are safeguarded to maintain the important views across the landscape and sense of openness.
Our comment - What is meant by ‘the surrounding coastline’ - does it include Torquay/Jan Juc coastline?
What does safeguarded mean? Is it the same as protected?
“There is a need to protect existing and create new vantage points for all to see the valued landscapes of the Surf Coast.
Our comment - This is a 2 part statement - protect existing and create new vantage points – no opportunity to say yes to part 1 and no to part 2. Where are they expecting new vantage points are needed? “for all to see” – no one is excluded from seeing now??
“New urban development and infrastructure should be designed to fit in with the existing landscape features of the Surf Coast.
Our comment - How? Where are they referring to?
“Planning should help to conserve and enhance areas with identified geological or landscape value by increasing efforts towards protecting the cultural heritage values they support.
Our comment - What does this mean?
“Do you have any other suggestions that could help achieve the draft vision?
Our comment – no new infrastructure at Pt Addis or Bells unless relacing existing facilities; no new infrastructure on the Torquay/ Jan Juc coastline; no concrete; building heights to be maintained (and enforceable) as they currently are in the SCS Planning Scheme.
“Section 2: Environment and Biodiversity
You said that you value native vegetation and areas that create homes for threatened species. You also said that the natural environment is what is most attractive about the Surf Coast and this should be maintained and enhanced.
Draft Vision
This feedback helped us draft this 50-year vision statement: Creeks, wetlands, saltmarshes, woodlands and beaches in the declared area provide habitat for rare flora and fauna like the Bellarine Yellow Gum, Orange Bellied Parrot and Hooded Plover. Areas of remnant vegetation, along road ways and across the hinterland, are not only protected but are also increasing.
The Point Addis Marine National Park, Point Danger Marine Sanctuary and coastal reserves provide a home for a variety of aquatic life for locals and visitors to enjoy.
6. Do you have any suggestions for how this could be improved? Is anything missing?
Our comment - No new residential development in areas where rare fauna and flora have been identified eg west of Duffileds.
“Ensure development provides a buffer for sensitive wetlands, creeks and sites of significant biodiversity. –
Our comment - does this mean“it is ok to develop as long as there are buffers”
Section 3: Risk and Resilience
You identified the impact of climate change as a threat and area of concern for the future. This included concerns about extreme weather events, erosion, bushfire and sea level rise.
Draft Vision
This feedback helped us draft this 50-year vision statement:
The significant features of the declared area, such as the beaches and natural landscapes, are conserved and enhanced and impacts from coastal erosion, sea level rise, bushfire and extreme weather events are minimised. Settlement areas are planned to reduce risks and respond appropriately to climate change impacts.
Work is undertaken in conjunction with government agencies to maintain and enhance the natural landscape and ensure the ecological and biodiversity characteristics of the area remain.
Our comments - – what does enhance mean? No man made structures should be used to mitigate rising sea levels.
New developments or land uses in areas at high risk of bushfire or coastal erosion are avoided.
Our comment - New developments at high risk should be prohibited – not just avoided.
Section 5: Post-Contact Heritage
You said that you value sites like Bells Beach and the Great Ocean Road as well as the area’s connection to leisure and relaxation and surfing culture.
Draft Vision
This feedback helped us draft this 50-year vision statement:
There continues to be a strong surfing and associated leisure culture that is internationally renowned. The declared area’s history as the gateway to the Great Ocean Road and as an important shipping lane with numerous shipwrecks also contributes to the community’s identity and sense of place.
Consider the impact of buildings and works on heritage places and ensure that the distinct cultural, aesthetic and landscape values are being conserved and enhanced by bearing in mind the impact on significant views from and to heritage places.
Our comment - who determines what are “heritage places”; the impact of buildings and works on all existing places should always be considered.
24. Do you have any other suggestions that could help achieve the draft vision?
Our comment - It is essential to maintain low rise buildings throughout Torquay/Jan Juc, along the GOR and the hinterland so they are not visually imposing. Current building heights (SCS planning scheme) should be maintained.
Section 6: Economy and infrastructure
You said that you value the agriculture industry and a sustainable tourism economy which focuses on surfing, ecotourism and local retail. You also value economic prosperity which provides opportunities for young people.
In addition to this, strategic infrastructure, such as the Great Ocean Road, Surf Coast
Highway and the Armstrong Creek Transit corridor to Torquay, will be critical for maintaining a high standard of amenity and ensuring the success of the local economy.
Draft Vision
This feedback helped us draft this 50-year vision statement:
The Surf Coast has a thriving tourism industry that prioritises the sustainable management of the area’s distinctive cultural heritage, environments and landscapes, and recognises the management of the Wadawurrung People. Agriculture, retail and extractive industries continue to support the regional economy in a managed and sustainable way.
Existing infrastructure is improved and opportunities for future infrastructure, such as the Armstrong Creek Transit corridor to Torquay, are supported to facilitate economic growth in the region.
Our comments- There has been no previous mention of extractive industries – what/where are they? There has also been no previous mention of a transit corridor or no explanation as to why it is necessary for economic growth. What is their definition of “sustainable”?
Extractive industries should be prohibited in the declared area.
Economic well being does not depend on the transit corridor. Any transit corridor could be for separate bike path and one for electric buses to the station proposed at Armstrong Creek. The cost of bringing a train to Torquay is prohibitive.
27. A sustainable visitation management strategy for the region will facilitate a strong tourism economy that is respectful of the cultural heritage, environmental and landscape features of the area.
Our comments - What is a sustainable visitation management strategy? What does sustainable mean? What about being respectful of the residents?
Section 7: Settlement
Regarding townships in the declared area, you value the beachy, coastal, laid-back and small town feel of the settlements. You value development that is low rise, and complementary of the surrounding environment. You also said that you like the ease of access to services and the availability of amenities.
Draft Vision
This feedback helped us draft this 50-year vision statement:
Torquay-Jan Juc is a thriving coastal settlement that provides residents with access to a diversity of services, amenities and jobs. It supports a relaxed coastal lifestyle for its residents, visitors and people living and working within the region. All settlements have their own distinct character.
Our comments - Are they referring to Torquay, Jan Juc , Bellbrae, Bells or do they mean separate areas within Torquay? Not explianed properly
31. Clarifying the preferred locations for future growth and implementing settlement boundaries will ease pressure on the environmental, cultural heritage and natural resource values, while providing greater certainty for residents and businesses.
Opportunities for infill development within the boundary of existing townships should be encouraged ahead of developing further greenfield land.
Our comment - do most people understand what this might look like? Higher densities? Multi storey developments? Needs better explanation.
New urban development and infrastructure should be designed to fit in with the unique coastal character and history of townships and their natural settings, including foreshore areas and biodiversity corridors. Comments - This would necessitate a restriction on building heights to those designated in the SCS Planning Scheme and further restrictions on tree removal.
Defining the roles, functions and identities of each township, and sub-precincts within Torquay-Jan Juc, will help settlements to thrive by supporting the local economy, encouraging jobs growth and meeting the needs of residents and workers.
Comment - What does this mean and how will effect current residents?
Defining an urban-to-rural transition area within the boundary of townships would help protect and enhance environmental, cultural heritage, landscape and natural resource values, and reduce bushfire risks.
Comment - How will larger lots achieve this? It won’t reduce bush fire risk? Depends where the boundaries are?
Mandating that development be not located on ridge lines would better protect existing vantage points and view lines of hills and environmental values.
Comments - This says “on ridge lines” - does this mean development could be over the other side of ‘the ridge line”? are they talking about a specific ridge line (as in the northern ridgeline in Torquay) or any ridgeline? There is talk of a station and or hospital on the Anco farmland which has always been rejected for development by council because of the ridge line.
Increasing building heights in defined locations would help strengthen the economic performance of townships and help curb the need for increased greenfield growth.
Comment - How will it strengthen economic performance? Building heights should be kept at current levels and made obligatory not preferred. Will“curb the need” but not stop greenfield growth. Seems like they want both.
On 17 September 2019, parts of the Surf Coast Shire Council and City of Greater Geelong were declared a ‘Distinctive Area and Landscape’ under the Planning and Environment Act 1987.
A Statement of Planning Policy will now be prepared to protect the environment, landscape and lifestyle of the declared area. The Statement of Policy will include a 50-year vision, policies and a framework plan with long-term settlement boundaries for Torquay and Jan Juc.
To help shape the Statement of Planning Policy, you are invited to participate in a Surf Coast Planning Workshop.
Friday 25 October
10.00am to 12.30pm
Torquay Football Club, Boak Room
Spring Creek Reserve, Surf Coast Hwy
Torquay
To register for the event please visit eventbrite.com.au
The purpose of the workshop is to discuss and test the long-term vision statement and policy objectives for the Surf Coast Statement of Planning Policy. The material that will be presented was informed by the first phase of consultation that was held from May to June this year.
For further details about the results of the first phase of engagement and more information about the project, please visit https://engage.vic.gov.au/distinctive-areas-and-landscapes-program/surf-coast
In addition to the workshop, an online survey will be available to you shortly. There will also be a further opportunity to have your say early next year on the draft Statement of Planning Policy before it is finalised.
