By Jena Carr
A concept plan for the Anglesea Community and Health Hub, including affordable rental housing, has been adopted by Surf Coast Shire Council.
Council decided during its July 23 meeting to accept the concept plan, which shows where all the health and community facilities will be positioned on the McMillan Street site.
Mayor Liz Pattison said community feedback “generally supported” the concept plan’s vision and design principles.
“We want to work with the community to make sure this is done in a way that is in keeping with the unique character of the area,” she said.
“The hub’s much-loved facilities are at the heart of Anglesea, and this planning will ensure they can continue serving the community well into the future.
“There has been a range of views expressed about the inclusion of some affordable rental housing to help address the local key worker accommodation crisis.
“The next step in the project will be the detailed design stage and this will involve more community engagement so that it reflects locals’ aspirations.”
A petition that opposed the inclusion of housing and changes to the precinct was also received by council and featured 257 signatures from the community.
Councillor Paul Barker said the hub would impact “parking, amenity” and pose an “imposition on other users in the area”.
“If we proceed with this project in its current form, the Anglesea community will have impacts that are detrimental,” he said.
“There are buildings in this hub that need a bit of work, but to include housing is not acceptable. council is not in the business of housing and shouldn’t get into it.
“If we are to provide public facilities, they should benefit the majority of locals and users. If a plan comes through that addresses that majority need, I’ll be happy to look at that.”
Council received 330 survey responses, 36 feedback submissions, and 329 pro forma letters in response to the Anglesea Community and Health Hub concept plan.
The concept plan was adopted following the co-design process and community engagement period, with an implementation progress report presented to council by July 2025.
