Creek homes ‘closer’

Alex de Vos
State Government has brought residential development of Torquay’s Spring Creek a step closer, according to objectors.
Community activist David Bell said he was disappointed Planning Minister Justin Madden had confirmed the land was ripe for future development when he approved a planning scheme amendment last week.
Mr Bell feared “Surfer’s Paradise-style development” was now on the way to Torquay.
The planning scheme amendment “designates land within the first kilometre west of Duffields Road in the Spring Creek Valley as a future urban growth plan”.
Mr Madden said the C37 amendment “sets the direction for future growth while protecting the liveability of this important coastal township”.
However, development of the first-kilometre area would require additional approvals before work could begin.
A “further amendment would be needed to rezone this land before it can be developed,” Mr Madden said.
The amendment also addressed a range of issues in Torquay and Jan Juc, including car parking, retailing, neighbourhood character, vegetation conservation and urban design principles.
Mr Bell said Mr Madden’s approval effectively supported eventual development of the one-kilometre-west area despite widespread community opposition.
He expected plans for a residential and commercial development on the 87-hectare site west of Duffields Road to be Spring Creek’s first project.
“I think it puts to shame council’s 2040 plan, which was supposed to look thoroughly at the development potential around Torquay,” Mr Bell said.
“They (the developers) still have to go through the planning process but this takes away the appearance of independence and has alienated us from the process.”
Mr Bell said he would continue to fight development in Spring Creek.
“Torquay will end up like Surfer’s Paradise,” he said.
“I’m certainly not going to give up and will continue working on our campaign.”
Earlier this year, the Independent revealed a company had unveiled a new website listing the one-kilometre-west site under “current projects” and noting its “undulating” with “sweeping coastal views”.
The website said Amex Corporation “acquired” the site in 2005.