Professor: super-size council in coast area

A “SUPER council” could safeguard the natural and economic interests of the Surf Coast and south-west coast, according to a Melbourne sea-change expert.
Professor Ray Green, of Melbourne University’s Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning, said a broader approach was needed to protect natural assets underpinning the region’s tourism, economy and lifestyle.
“We’ve got to start looking as a wholistic thing, managing the coast with not just one council or two councils, natural areas don’t know those boundaries,’’ he told the Independent.
Prof Green, who has worked with Surf Coast Shire planners on development controls in recent years, warned of powerful competing interests threatening landscape values underpinning tourism and lifestyle-driven economies along the coast.
Balancing sea-change population growth, resident amenity, economic growth, new renewable energies, climate change and landscape values required rational, integrated planning at a higher level than undertaken at existing councils, he said.
South Barwon MP Andrew Katos rejected the concept of a super council but said collaboration between Surf Coast and Colac Otway shires could work to mutual advantage.
“Like anything, it’s a balancing act,’’ he said.
“As for a super council, I don’t think there’s much argument for bigger councils. Surf Coast does a good job, Colac-Otway is a good council.
“If he had a concern maybe they need to collaborate and look to manage these issues in a better way.’’