Developers’ glee on Torquay: Deadline ‘set’

KIM WATERS
DEVELOPERS have welcomed a threat of State Government “intervention” to speed up development of Torquay’s Spring Creek, according to an industry chief.
Urban Development Institute of Australia Victorian executive director Tony De Domenico praised Planning Minister Matthew Guy for giving Surf Coast Shire’s council a deadline on finalising its Spring Creek plan.
Mr De Domenico said council had told him it would meet Mr Guy’s July 27 deadline.
“The area one kilometre west of Spring Creek has been identified for growth in state and local planning policy since 1980 and on that basis many developers bought land in the area,” Mr De Domenico said.
“Council originally said it wouldn’t consider rezoning the development for a further 12 months but I’ve been informed that since receiving the minister’s letter they will bring that date forward to July 27.”
Mr De Domenico was “concerned” about council’s tardiness.
“We’ve also got to take into account that the community’s views need to be considered but there comes a time when consideration must revert into decision making. The time is right for a decision to be made.”
Mr De Domenico said Torquay houses prices would continue to escalate without more development.
“Only multi-millionaires will be able to afford to live there unless there are more developments.”
Mr Guy wrote to Mayor Dean Webster last week saying council had failed the “urgent need to address housing affordability” and infrastructure in the area, Mr Guy wrote.
Mr Guy wrote to the shire after developers Parklea and Amex and Christian College sought his intervention.